Yesterday, Joannie Rochette went on to perform in the Winter Olympics, winning the bronze medal in ice skating. She performed, in spite of losing her mom unexpectedly just two days before. What a sad tragedy, my heart goes out to Joannie and her family. Her mom was only 55 and died of a heart attack. I write this with tears in my eyes, because I really feel for Joannie, as it's hard to lose your mom, at any age... But, her mom was so young and it's a great sadness.
Below is part of the article, from the Canadian Press.
"The mother of Canadian figure skating champion and Olympic medal hopeful Joannie Rochette died suddenly in Vancouver Sunday morning, shortly after arriving to watch her daughter compete.
Canadian team officials said Therese Rochette passed away after being rushed to Vancouver General Hospital.
Rochette was 55.
Joannie Rochette was given the news by her father Normand and her coach Manon Perron at the Olympic Village Sunday morning around 6 a.m.
Officials said Rochette intends to compete at the Olympics, despite the shock of her mother's death. The short program for women's figure skating begins Tuesday night at Pacific Coliseum. The free skate, after which medals are awarded, is scheduled for Thursday. Rochette, 24, will skate 26th of 30 skaters Tuesday night.
At about 1:15 p.m. local time Sunday Rochette stepped out on the ice for a practice, appeared to wipe a tear away, and then went out, sometimes with a serene smile on her face. Her father was in the audience, and he sobbed as Rochette came out on ice. He watched her practice surrounded by friends.
Rochette's parents had arrived Saturday from Montreal.
Canadian chef de mission Nathalie Lambert choked with emotion as she expressed condolences to the Rochette family.
"It has actually just happened this morning," Lambert told reporters. "It's very emotional for me, and all of us, today."
Lambert asked members of the media to respect the privacy of Canada's Olympian athletes as they struggle with the emotional impact Rochette's loss.
"The best way to support them is not to ask them questions," said Lambert.
If Rochette changes her mind and decides not to take part in the Olympics, that will be respected "and we will help her in every way we can."
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the Winter Olympics expressed its condolences to Rochette and her family at the start of its daily news conference and saluted "her courage and strength" for deciding to continue to compete later this week." More info click HERE
**Pictures taken from the internet.
