02-23-2010, 10:14 AM
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#108 (permalink)
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Canadian Joannie Rochette plans to skate after mother's death - Los Angeles Times
Quote:
Canadian Joannie Rochette plans to skate after mother's death
The reigning world silver medalist practices several hours after learning her mother died unexpectedly shortly after arriving in Vancouver.
OLYMPIC NOTES
February 22, 2010|By staff reports
About seven hours after learning her mother had died unexpectedly, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette, the reigning world silver medalist, showed her resolve to compete in the Olympics as planned by coming to her scheduled Sunday afternoon practice at the Pacific Coliseum.
"Joannie is a very courageous person," said her teammate Cynthia Phaneuf. "Just to be there at practice, I was very impressed. She is going to get through this.
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"I think she is doing the right thing. She isn't going to get any better in her room. Just being there shows how strong a person she is. It shows she is someone to look up to."
Canadian figure skating officials confirmed before the practice Rochette intends to remain in the women's singles event, which begins with Tuesday's short program and ends with the free skate Thursday.
"Skating is so much emotion," two-time Olympic medalist Michelle Kwan said. "I worry that it will be too much for her to handle."
Therese Rochette, 55, died early Sunday morning at a Vancouver hospital, only hours after she and her husband, Normand, had arrived in Vancouver. Joannie Rochette is an only child.
Normand Rochette and the skater's longtime coach, Manon Perron, gave her the news about 6 a.m. at the Olympic Village. Her father then came to practice.
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