Joannie Rochette
Encyclopedia
Joannie Rochette is a Canadian figure skater
. She is the 2010 Olympic bronze medalist
, the 2009 World silver medalist
, the 2008 and 2009 Four Continents silver medalist, the 2004 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, and a six-time (2005–10) Canadian national champion
.
, Quebec
, and raised in Île Dupas
.
On February 21, 2010, two days before the beginning of ladies' figure skating competition at the winter Olympics in Vancouver, her mother, Thérèse Rochette, died of a heart attack at age 55 at Vancouver General Hospital
after arriving to watch her compete; Rochette chose to remain in the competition and skate in her mother's honour. At her mother's funeral, she placed her Olympic bronze medal on the casket for some time.
Rochette is currently a spokesperson for the "iheartmom" campaign at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
, which deals with raising awareness for heart disease in women. She has also worked with World Vision
.
In the 1999–2000 season, Rochette won the 2000 Canadian Championships
on the novice level. The following season Rochette debuted on the ISU Junior Grand Prix
. She placed 5th at the 2000-2001 ISU Junior Grand Prix
event in France and 4th at the event in Mexico. She qualified for the 2001 Canadian Championships
by winning both her qualifying events. At the Canadian Championships, she won her second consecutive national title, this time on the Junior level. She was then sent to the 2001 World Junior Championships
, where she placed 8th.
In the 2001–2002 season, Rochette competed on the 2001-2002 ISU Junior Grand Prix
, winning the bronze medal at the event in Italy. She won the bronze medal at the 2002 Canadian Championships
on the senior level and qualified for the teams to the 2002 Four Continents
and the 2002 Junior Worlds
. At Four Continents, her first senior international event, Rochette placed 9th. She went on to place 5th at the World Junior Championships.
. She placed 8th at the 2003 Four Continents
and 17th at the 2003 World Championships
.
series. She placed 10th at the 2003 Skate Canada and 4th at the 2003 Cup of Russia
. She competed at the 2003 Bofrost Cup on Ice
and won the event. At the 2004 Canadian Championships
, Rochette won her second consecutive silver medal. She placed 4th at the 2004 Four Continents
and moved up to 8th at the World Championships
.
and then won the 2004 Trophée Eric Bompard
. She qualified for the 2004–2005 Grand Prix Final, where she won the bronze medal. She won the 2005 Canadian Championships
, her first Canadian senior title, which made her the first Canadian female skater to have won the Canadian Championships at all three levels (Novice, Junior, and Senior). She placed 11th at the 2005 World Championships
. Her placement, combined with that of Cynthia Phaneuf
, earned Canada two entries to the 2006 Winter Olympics
.
. She won her second consecutive national title at the 2006 Canadian Championships
. At the 2006 Winter Olympics
, Rochette placed 5th. At the 2006 World Championships
, Rochette led following the qualifying round, then placed 7th in the short program and 8th in the free skate to place 7th overall. She had fallen twice during her jumps which led to a disappointing result.
, and missed out on qualifying for the Grand Prix Final on a tie-break. At the 2007 Canadian Championships
, Rochette won her third consecutive national title. She won the bronze medal at the 2007 Four Continents
and placed 10th at the 2007 World Championships
.
. At the 2008 Canadian Championships
, she won her fourth consecutive national title. She won the silver medal at the 2008 Four Continents
and placed 5th at the 2008 World Championships
.
, beating reigning World Champion Mao Asada
, and credited her work with a psychologist for her improved performances. She qualified for the 2008–2009 Grand Prix Final, where she placed 4th. She won her fifth consecutive national title at the 2009 Canadian Championships
. At the 2009 Four Continents Championships
, she won the silver medal, again beating Asada. At the 2009 World Championships
, Rochette won the silver medal, becoming the first Canadian woman since Elizabeth Manley
to medal at the World Championships.
, and the 2009 Skate Canada International
. She started off the season with a disappointing showing at the Cup of China, where she placed 7th in the short program, with 52.12 points, 10.08 points behind overnight leader Mirai Nagasu
. During the free skate she rebounded, placing 2nd with 111.06 points behind Akiko Suzuki
, who placed 1st in that segment. Rochette won the bronze medal with 163.18 points, behind gold medalist Suzuki and silver medalist Kiira Korpi
.
At the 2009 Skate Canada, she performed a strong short program, scoring 70.00 points, a new personal best that enabled her to finish first in the short program. During the free skate, she placed first again, with 112.90 points. She won the gold medal ahead of silver medalist Alissa Czisny
and bronze medalist Laura Lepistö
.
Rochette qualified her for the 2009–2010 Grand Prix Final
. She placed 4th in the short program with 60.94 points, 5.2 points behind overnight leader, Miki Ando
. Rochette placed 5th in the free skate, performing a poor program, only earning 95.77 points. She placed 5th overall with 156.71 points, 32.15 points behind gold medalist Kim Yu-Na.
after winning her 6th straight Canadian National title
.
While practicing for the short program, Rochette received tragic news: her mother had died shortly after arriving in Vancouver. Upon hearing the news, NBC
speed-skating commentator Dan Jansen
sent an e-mail to Rochette and shared his experiences of his sister's passing during the Calgary Olympics
(Canada's last Olympics before Vancouver).
Rochette chose to continue competing in her mother's honour. She skated a clean short program and recorded a new personal best of 71.36, the third highest score of the night. Two days later, she held on to her third place position after the long program and won the bronze medal. She became the fifth Canadian to win a medal in ladies' figure skating at the Olympics.
Rochette's performance at the 2010 Olympics figure skating gala on February 27 featured the French version of Celine Dion
's song "Fly" as a tribute to her mother (a long-time fan of Dion), ending with her face raised to the heavens.
Because of her inspiring determination in the face of these circumstances, along with Petra Majdič
, she received the inaugural Terry Fox Award
for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Fellow Canadian Olympian Jon Montgomery described Rochette as having shown "so much heart and determination at the 2010 Games (...) What she displayed is honestly what the Olympics are all about." Rochette was chosen as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony
. In December 2010, she was voted the Female Athlete of the Year by The Canadian Press.
Rochette did not compete at the 2010 World Championships
and later announced that she would not take part in the 2010-11 Grand Prix
series.
Figure skating
Figure skating is an Olympic sport in which individuals, pairs, or groups perform spins, jumps, footwork and other intricate and challenging moves on ice skates. Figure skaters compete at various levels from beginner up to the Olympic level , and at local, national, and international competitions...
. She is the 2010 Olympic bronze medalist
Figure skating at the 2010 Winter Olympics
The figure skating competition of the 2010 Winter Olympics was held at Pacific Coliseum between February 14 and 27, 2010. It was the 23rd edition of the figure skating event at the Olympics, and the 21st edition at the Winter Olympics....
, the 2009 World silver medalist
World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion...
, the 2008 and 2009 Four Continents silver medalist, the 2004 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist, and a six-time (2005–10) Canadian national champion
Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The Canadian Figure Skating Championships is a figure skating competition held annually to crown the national champions of Canada. It is organized by Skate Canada, the nation's figure skating governing body. The levels of the competition are senior and junior; in some years, the novice level has...
.
Personal life
Rochette was born in MontrealMontreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
, Quebec
Quebec
Quebec or is a province in east-central Canada. It is the only Canadian province with a predominantly French-speaking population and the only one whose sole official language is French at the provincial level....
, and raised in Île Dupas
La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas, Quebec
La Visitation-de-l'Île-Dupas is a municipality in the Lanaudière region of Quebec, Canada, part of the D'Autray Regional County Municipality. Its territory is located on several of the Sorel Islands in the Saint Lawrence River where it flows into Lac Saint-Pierre...
.
On February 21, 2010, two days before the beginning of ladies' figure skating competition at the winter Olympics in Vancouver, her mother, Thérèse Rochette, died of a heart attack at age 55 at Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital
Vancouver General Hospital is a medical facility located in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is the largest facility in the Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre group of medical facilities...
after arriving to watch her compete; Rochette chose to remain in the competition and skate in her mother's honour. At her mother's funeral, she placed her Olympic bronze medal on the casket for some time.
Rochette is currently a spokesperson for the "iheartmom" campaign at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
The University of Ottawa Heart Institute is Canada’s largest and foremost cardiovascular health centre. It began as a department in The Ottawa Hospital, and since has evolved into Canada’s only complete cardiac centre, encompassing prevention, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, research, and...
, which deals with raising awareness for heart disease in women. She has also worked with World Vision
World Vision International
World Vision International, founded in the USA in 1977, is an evangelical relief and development umbrella organization whose stated goal is "to follow our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to promote human transformation, seek justice and bear witness to the good...
.
Early career
Rochette began skating when she was just two years old after her mother took her to the rink.In the 1999–2000 season, Rochette won the 2000 Canadian Championships
2000 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2000 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships for the 1999-2000 figure skating season. The Canadian Championships are the figure skating national championship which determines the national champions of Canada...
on the novice level. The following season Rochette debuted on the ISU Junior Grand Prix
ISU Junior Grand Prix
The ISU Junior Grand Prix of Figure Skating is a series of international invitational junior level competitions organized by the International Skating Union. Junior figure skaters compete in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
. She placed 5th at the 2000-2001 ISU Junior Grand Prix
2000-2001 ISU Junior Grand Prix
The 2000–2001 ISU Junior Grand Prix was the fourth season of the ISU Junior Grand Prix, a series of international junior level competitions organized by the International Skating Union. It was the junior-level complement to the Grand Prix of Figure Skating, which was for senior-level skaters...
event in France and 4th at the event in Mexico. She qualified for the 2001 Canadian Championships
2001 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2001 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships for the 2000-2001 figure skating season. The Canadian Championships are the figure skating national championship which determines the national champions of Canada...
by winning both her qualifying events. At the Canadian Championships, she won her second consecutive national title, this time on the Junior level. She was then sent to the 2001 World Junior Championships
2001 World Junior Figure Skating Championships
The World Junior Figure Skating Championships is an annual event sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which younger figure skaters compete for the title of World Junior Champion. The 2001 competition took place between February 26 and March 2, 2001 in the Winter Sports Hall, in Sofia,...
, where she placed 8th.
In the 2001–2002 season, Rochette competed on the 2001-2002 ISU Junior Grand Prix
2001-2002 ISU Junior Grand Prix
The 2001–2002 ISU Junior Grand Prix was the fifth season of the ISU Junior Grand Prix, a series of international junior level competitions organized by the International Skating Union. It was the junior-level complement to the Grand Prix of Figure Skating, which was for senior-level skaters....
, winning the bronze medal at the event in Italy. She won the bronze medal at the 2002 Canadian Championships
2002 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2002 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships of the 2001-2002 figure skating season. They were the figure skating national championship held to determine the national champions of Canada...
on the senior level and qualified for the teams to the 2002 Four Continents
2002 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition. The four continents of the event's name refer to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania...
and the 2002 Junior Worlds
2002 World Junior Figure Skating Championships
The World Junior Figure Skating Championships is an annual event sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which younger figure skaters compete for the title of World Junior Champion. The 2002 competition took place between March 3 and March 10, 2002 in the Olympic Amphitheatre, in Hamar,...
. At Four Continents, her first senior international event, Rochette placed 9th. She went on to place 5th at the World Junior Championships.
2002–2003 season
In the 2002–2003 season, Rochette won the silver medal at the 2003 Canadian Championships2003 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2003 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships of the 2002-2003 figure skating season. They are a figure skating national championship held annually to determine the national champions of Canada...
. She placed 8th at the 2003 Four Continents
2003 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition. The four continents of the event's name refer to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania...
and 17th at the 2003 World Championships
2003 World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is considered the most prestigious of the ISU Championships...
.
2003–2004 season
In the 2003–2004 season, Rochette debuted on the ISU Grand Prix of Figure SkatingISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating is a series of international invitational competitions organized by the International Skating Union. Elite figure skaters compete in the disciplines of ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
series. She placed 10th at the 2003 Skate Canada and 4th at the 2003 Cup of Russia
2003 Cup of Russia
The Cup of Russia is an annual elite international invitational figure skating competition. It is the fifth event of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Skaters compete in ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
. She competed at the 2003 Bofrost Cup on Ice
2003 Bofrost Cup on Ice
The Bofrost Cup on Ice is a figure skating competition which takes place annually in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. Figure skaters compete in four disciplines: ladies' singles, men's singles, pairs, and ice dancing. It was part of the Grand Prix series from its inception until 2003, when it was replaced...
and won the event. At the 2004 Canadian Championships
2004 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2004 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships of the 2003–2004 season. They are a figure skating national championship held annually to determine the national champions of Canada...
, Rochette won her second consecutive silver medal. She placed 4th at the 2004 Four Continents
2004 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition. The four continents of the event's name refer to the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Oceania...
and moved up to 8th at the World Championships
2004 World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is considered the most prestigious of the ISU Championships...
.
2004–2005 season
In the 2004–2005 season, Rochette won the bronze medal at the 2004 Cup of China2004 Cup of China
The Cup of China is an international, senior-level invitation-only figure skating competition organized by the Chinese Skating Association. It is part of the ISU Grand Prix. The location changes yearly...
and then won the 2004 Trophée Eric Bompard
2004 Trophée Eric Bompard
Trophée Eric Bompard is an annual elite figure skating competition which takes place annually in Paris, France. It is the fourth of six events in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The competition is named after the Eric Bompard company, which has been its chief sponsor since 2004...
. She qualified for the 2004–2005 Grand Prix Final, where she won the bronze medal. She won the 2005 Canadian Championships
2005 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2005 Canadian Figure Skating Championships is a figure skating national championship held annually to determine the national champions of Canada. It is organized by Skate Canada, the nation's figure skating governing body. Skaters compete at the senior and junior levels in the disciplines of...
, her first Canadian senior title, which made her the first Canadian female skater to have won the Canadian Championships at all three levels (Novice, Junior, and Senior). She placed 11th at the 2005 World Championships
2005 World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is considered the most prestigious of the ISU Championships...
. Her placement, combined with that of Cynthia Phaneuf
Cynthia Phaneuf
Cynthia Phaneuf is a Canadian figure skater. She is the 2004 and 2011 Canadian national champion and a three-time Canadian silver medalist...
, earned Canada two entries to the 2006 Winter Olympics
2006 Winter Olympics
The 2006 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XX Olympic Winter Games, was a winter multi-sport event which was celebrated in Turin, Italy from February 10, 2006, through February 26, 2006. This marked the second time Italy hosted the Olympic Winter Games, the first being the VII Olympic Winter...
.
2005–2006 season
In the 2005–2006 Olympic season, Rochette won the silver medal at the 2005 Skate Canada and placed 4th at the 2005 Trophée Eric Bompard2005 Trophée Eric Bompard
Trophée Eric Bompard is an annual elite figure skating competition which takes place annually in Paris, France. It is the fourth of six events in the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The competition is named after the Eric Bompard company, which has been its chief sponsor since 2004...
. She won her second consecutive national title at the 2006 Canadian Championships
2006 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2006 Canadian Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition held by Skate Canada, the nation's figure skating governing body. Skaters compete at the senior and junior levels in the disciplines of men's singles, women's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
. At the 2006 Winter Olympics
Figure skating at the 2006 Winter Olympics
Four figure skating events were held at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, at the Palavela venue.Lithuanian ice dancers Margarita Drobiazko and Povilas Vanagas became the first figure skaters to compete at five Olympics....
, Rochette placed 5th. At the 2006 World Championships
2006 World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is considered the most prestigious of the ISU Championships.The 2006 Worlds were held at the...
, Rochette led following the qualifying round, then placed 7th in the short program and 8th in the free skate to place 7th overall. She had fallen twice during her jumps which led to a disappointing result.
2006–2007 season
In the 2006–2007 season, Rochette won the 2006 Skate Canada and placed 4th at the 2006 Trophée Eric Bompard2006 Trophée Eric Bompard
The Trophée Eric Bompard is an annual figure skating competition which takes place in Paris, France. It was the fourth of six international qualifying events in the 2006–2007 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The competition is named after the Eric Bompard company, which has been its chief...
, and missed out on qualifying for the Grand Prix Final on a tie-break. At the 2007 Canadian Championships
2007 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2007 Canadian Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition held by Skate Canada, the nation's figure skating governing body. Skaters compete at the senior and junior levels in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
, Rochette won her third consecutive national title. She won the bronze medal at the 2007 Four Continents
2007 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition. The 2007 championships took place at the World Arena in Colorado Springs, Colorado, USA, from February 7 to February 10, 2007. Skaters competed in the discplines of men's singles, ladies singles, pairs, and...
and placed 10th at the 2007 World Championships
2007 World Figure Skating Championships
The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. This event is considered the most prestigious of the ISU Championships. Skaters compete in the...
.
2007–2008 season
In the 2007–2008 season, Rochette won the bronze medals at the 2007 Skate Canada and the 2007 Cup of Russia2007 Cup of Russia
The Cup of Russia is an annual elite international invitational figure skating competition. It is the fifth event of the 2007–2008 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Skaters compete in ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing...
. At the 2008 Canadian Championships
2008 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2008 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were a figure skating national championship held to determine the national champions of Canada for the 2007–2008 figure skating season...
, she won her fourth consecutive national title. She won the silver medal at the 2008 Four Continents
2008 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The 2008 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships are the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships for the 2007/2008 season. Commonly abbreviated "4CC", they are an annual figure skating competition in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of Four Continents Champion. Skaters...
and placed 5th at the 2008 World Championships
2008 World Figure Skating Championships
The 2008 World Figure Skating Championships was the World Figure Skating Championships of the 2007–2008 figure skating season. The World Championships are an annual figure skating competition in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion. The event was open to figure skaters...
.
2008–2009 season
In the 2008–2009 season, Rochette won the 2008 Skate Canada. She then won the 2008 Trophée Eric Bompard2008 Trophée Eric Bompard
The 2008 Trophée Eric Bompard was the Trophée Eric Bompard Grand Prix competition of the 2008–2009 figure skating season. It was the fourth event of six in the 2008–2009 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a senior-level international invitational competition. It was organized by the Federation...
, beating reigning World Champion Mao Asada
Mao Asada
is a Japanese figure skater.She is the 2010 Winter Olympic silver medalist, the 2008 & 2010 World champion, the 2008 & 2010 Four Continents champion, a two-time Grand Prix Final champion, the 2005 World Junior champion, the 2004–2005 Junior Grand Prix Final champion and a four-time Japanese...
, and credited her work with a psychologist for her improved performances. She qualified for the 2008–2009 Grand Prix Final, where she placed 4th. She won her fifth consecutive national title at the 2009 Canadian Championships
2009 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2009 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships for the 2008-2009 figure skating season. The Canadian Championships are the figure skating national championship which determines the national champions of Canada...
. At the 2009 Four Continents Championships
2009 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships
The 2009 Four Continents Figure Skating Championships was the Four Continents Figure Skating Championships for the 2008–2009 season. Skaters competed in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies singles, pairs, and ice dancing. The competition was open to skaters from a non-European Member nation of...
, she won the silver medal, again beating Asada. At the 2009 World Championships
2009 World Figure Skating Championships
The 2009 World Figure Skating Championships were the World Figure Skating Championships for the 2008–2009 season. Commonly called "Worlds", they are an annual figure skating competition in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion...
, Rochette won the silver medal, becoming the first Canadian woman since Elizabeth Manley
Elizabeth Manley
Elizabeth Ann Manley, CM is a Canadian figure skater. She is the 1988 Olympic silver medalist, 1988 World silver medalist, and three-time Canadian champion.-Early life and training:...
to medal at the World Championships.
2009–2010 season
For the 2009–2010 Grand Prix season, Rochette was assigned to the 2009 Cup of China2009 Cup of China
The 2009 Cup of China was the Cup of China Grand Prix competition of the 2009–2010 figure skating season. It was the third event of six in the 2009–2010 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a senior-level international invitational competition series. Skaters earned points towards qualifying for the...
, and the 2009 Skate Canada International
2009 Skate Canada International
The 2009 Skate Canada International was the Skate Canada International Grand Prix competition of the 2009–2010 figure skating season. It was the final event of six in the 2009–2010 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating, a senior-level international invitational competition series. Skaters earned points...
. She started off the season with a disappointing showing at the Cup of China, where she placed 7th in the short program, with 52.12 points, 10.08 points behind overnight leader Mirai Nagasu
Mirai Nagasu
Mirai Aileen Nagasu , born April 16, 1993 is an American figure skater. She is the 2008 U.S. national champion, 2010 U.S. silver medalist, 2011 Four Continents bronze medalist, and 2007–2008 Junior Grand Prix Final champion....
. During the free skate she rebounded, placing 2nd with 111.06 points behind Akiko Suzuki
Akiko Suzuki
is a Japanese figure skater. She is the 2010 Japanese national silver medalist, the 2010 Four Continents silver medalist, the 2009 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist and the 2007 Winter University Games Champion....
, who placed 1st in that segment. Rochette won the bronze medal with 163.18 points, behind gold medalist Suzuki and silver medalist Kiira Korpi
Kiira Korpi
Kiira Linda Katriina Korpi is a Finnish figure skater. She is the 2007 and 2011 European bronze medalist, 2010 Trophée Eric Bompard champion and a two-time Finnish National Champion .- Personal life :...
.
At the 2009 Skate Canada, she performed a strong short program, scoring 70.00 points, a new personal best that enabled her to finish first in the short program. During the free skate, she placed first again, with 112.90 points. She won the gold medal ahead of silver medalist Alissa Czisny
Alissa Czisny
Alissa Czisny is an American figure skater. She is the 2010–2011 Grand Prix Final champion, two-time U.S. national champion, the 2007 U.S...
and bronze medalist Laura Lepistö
Laura Lepistö
Laura Anneli Lepistö is a Finnish figure skater. She is the 2010 World bronze medalist, the 2009 European Champion and 2008 & 2010 Finnish national champion.-Personal life:Lepistö was born in Espoo, Finland....
.
Rochette qualified her for the 2009–2010 Grand Prix Final
2009–2010 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final
The 2009–2010 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final was the Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final and the Junior Grand Prix Final competition of the 2009–2010 figure skating season...
. She placed 4th in the short program with 60.94 points, 5.2 points behind overnight leader, Miki Ando
Miki Ando
is a Japanese figure skater. She is the 2007 and 2011 World Champion, 2011 Four Continents Champion, 2004 World Junior Champion, and a three-time Japanese National Champion....
. Rochette placed 5th in the free skate, performing a poor program, only earning 95.77 points. She placed 5th overall with 156.71 points, 32.15 points behind gold medalist Kim Yu-Na.
2010 Winter Olympics
Rochette was nominated to represent Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics2010 Winter Olympics
The 2010 Winter Olympics, officially the XXI Olympic Winter Games or the 21st Winter Olympics, were a major international multi-sport event held from February 12–28, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with some events held in the suburbs of Richmond, West Vancouver and the University...
after winning her 6th straight Canadian National title
2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships
The 2010 Canadian Figure Skating Championships were the Canadian Figure Skating Championships for the 2009-2010 figure skating season. The Canadian Championships are the figure skating national championship which determines the national champions of Canada...
.
While practicing for the short program, Rochette received tragic news: her mother had died shortly after arriving in Vancouver. Upon hearing the news, NBC
Olympics on NBC
NBC Sports' coverage of the Olympic Games consists of broadcasts on the various networks of NBC Universal in the United States, including the NBC broadcast network, Spanish language network Telemundo, and many of the company's cable networks....
speed-skating commentator Dan Jansen
Dan Jansen
Daniel Erwin Jansen is a former speed skater, best known for winning a gold medal in his final Olympic race after suffering through years of heartbreak. He graduated from West Allis Central High School....
sent an e-mail to Rochette and shared his experiences of his sister's passing during the Calgary Olympics
1988 Winter Olympics
The 1988 Winter Olympics, officially known as the XV Olympic Winter Games, were a winter multi-sport event celebrated in and around Calgary, Alberta, Canada from 13 to 28 February 1988. The host was selected in 1981 after having beat Falun, Sweden and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy...
(Canada's last Olympics before Vancouver).
Rochette chose to continue competing in her mother's honour. She skated a clean short program and recorded a new personal best of 71.36, the third highest score of the night. Two days later, she held on to her third place position after the long program and won the bronze medal. She became the fifth Canadian to win a medal in ladies' figure skating at the Olympics.
Rochette's performance at the 2010 Olympics figure skating gala on February 27 featured the French version of Celine Dion
Celine Dion
Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record...
's song "Fly" as a tribute to her mother (a long-time fan of Dion), ending with her face raised to the heavens.
Because of her inspiring determination in the face of these circumstances, along with Petra Majdič
Petra Majdic
Petra Majdič is a Slovenian former cross-country skier. Her best results came in classic style races. She won twenty-four World Cup races, twenty in sprint races, but she also won a marathon in Trondheim in 2009...
, she received the inaugural Terry Fox Award
Terry Fox Award
The Vancouver 2010 Terry Fox Award was awarded to Olympic athletes who embodied Terry Fox's values of determination and humility in the face of adversity. It was created for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada....
for the 2010 Winter Olympics. Fellow Canadian Olympian Jon Montgomery described Rochette as having shown "so much heart and determination at the 2010 Games (...) What she displayed is honestly what the Olympics are all about." Rochette was chosen as the flag bearer for the closing ceremony
2010 Winter Olympics closing ceremony
The Closing Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics took place on February 28, 2010, beginning at 5:30 pm PST at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada...
. In December 2010, she was voted the Female Athlete of the Year by The Canadian Press.
Rochette did not compete at the 2010 World Championships
2010 World Figure Skating Championships
The 2010 World Figure Skating Championships were the World Figure Skating Championships for the 2009–2010 season. Commonly called "Worlds", they are an annual figure skating competition in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion...
and later announced that she would not take part in the 2010-11 Grand Prix
2010–11 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating
The 2010–2011 ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating was the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series of the 2010–2011 season. It was a series of six international invitational competitions in the fall of 2010 that built to the Grand Prix Final. Skaters competed in the disciplines of men's singles, ladies...
series.
Programs
| Season | Short program | Free skating | Exhibition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–2010 | La Cumparsita La Cumparsita "La cumparsita" is a musical piece written by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez, an Uruguayan musician, in 1916. It is among the most famous and recognizable tango songs of all time.... by Gerardo Matos Rodríguez Gerardo Matos Rodríguez Gerardo Hernan Matos Rodríguez Montevideo, Uruguay, also known as Becho, was a Uruguayan musician, composer and journalist.-Background and early career:... Choreographed by Shae-Lynn Bourne Shae-Lynn Bourne Shae-Lynn Bourne, MSC is a Canadian ice dancer. She and partner Victor Kraatz became the first North American ice dancing world champions in 2003. They competed at three Winter Olympic Games, placing 10th at the 1994 Winter Olympics, 4th at the 1998 Winter Olympics, and 4th at the 2002 Winter... |
Samson and Delilah Samson and Delilah (opera) Samson and Delilah , Op. 47, is a grand opera in three acts and four scenes by Camille Saint-Saëns to a French libretto by Ferdinand Lemaire... by Camille Saint-Saëns Camille Saint-Saëns Charles-Camille Saint-Saëns was a French Late-Romantic composer, organist, conductor, and pianist. He is known especially for The Carnival of the Animals, Danse macabre, Samson and Delilah, Piano Concerto No. 2, Cello Concerto No. 1, Havanaise, Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso, and his Symphony... Choreographed by Lori Nichol Lori Nichol Lori Nichol is a Canadian figure skating choreographer and coach. She was a performer for the John Curry Company from 1983–1986 and won the silver medal at the World Professional Championships in 1983.... |
Objection (Tango) Objection (Tango) "Objection " and "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio " are Latin pop-rock/tango songs written and composed by the Colombian pop star Shakira for her 2001 breakthrough English language album, Laundry Service.-Background and structure:... by Shakira Shakira Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll , known professionally as Shakira , is a Colombian singer who emerged in the music scene of Colombia and Latin America in the early 1990s... Vole by Celine Dion Celine Dion Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record... |
| 2008–2009 | Summertime Summertime (song) "Summertime" is an aria composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera was based, although the song is also co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP.... by George Gershwin George Gershwin George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known... Choreohraphed by Shae-Lynn Bourne Shae-Lynn Bourne Shae-Lynn Bourne, MSC is a Canadian ice dancer. She and partner Victor Kraatz became the first North American ice dancing world champions in 2003. They competed at three Winter Olympic Games, placing 10th at the 1994 Winter Olympics, 4th at the 1998 Winter Olympics, and 4th at the 2002 Winter... |
Concierto de Aranjuez Concierto de Aranjuez The Concierto de Aranjuez is a composition for classical guitar and orchestra by the Spanish composer Joaquín Rodrigo. Written in 1939, it is probably Rodrigo's best-known work, and its success established his reputation as one of the most significant Spanish composers of the twentieth century. ... by Joaquín Rodrigo Joaquín Rodrigo Joaquín Rodrigo Vidre, 1st Marquis of the Gardens of Aranjuez , commonly known as Joaquín Rodrigo, was a composer of classical music and a virtuoso pianist. Despite being nearly blind from an early age, he achieved great success... Choreographed by Lori Nichol Lori Nichol Lori Nichol is a Canadian figure skating choreographer and coach. She was a performer for the John Curry Company from 1983–1986 and won the silver medal at the World Professional Championships in 1983.... |
Die Another Day Die Another Day (song) "Die Another Day" is the theme to the James Bond film of the same name recorded by Madonna. The single was released in late 2002, marking Madonna's 20th career anniversary, and peaked at number eight in the United States and number three in the United Kingdom, selling 167,863 copies - making it the... by Madonna Madonna (entertainer) Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983... Objection (Tango) Objection (Tango) "Objection " and "Te Aviso, Te Anuncio " are Latin pop-rock/tango songs written and composed by the Colombian pop star Shakira for her 2001 breakthrough English language album, Laundry Service.-Background and structure:... by Shakira Shakira Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll , known professionally as Shakira , is a Colombian singer who emerged in the music scene of Colombia and Latin America in the early 1990s... |
| 2007–2008 | Piano Concerto No. 1 Piano Concerto No. 1 (Tchaikovsky) The Piano Concerto No. 1 in B-flat minor, Op. 23 was composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky between November 1874 and February 1875. It was revised in the summer of 1879 and again in December 1888. The first version received heavy criticism from Nikolai Rubinstein, Tchaikovsky's desired pianist.... by Peter Tchaikovsky Piano Concerto by Robert Schumann Robert Schumann Robert Schumann, sometimes known as Robert Alexander Schumann, was a German composer, aesthete and influential music critic. He is regarded as one of the greatest and most representative composers of the Romantic era.... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
N'as-tu pas Honte Un Grand Homme est Mort Aimer from Don Juan by Félix Gray Félix Gray Félix Boutboul, most know under the pseudonym of Félix Gray , is a French singer and songwriter.He has a daughter named Marie-Charlotte, born on 7 January 1991.-Compositions:He has composed texts for various artists :... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
Summertime Summertime (song) "Summertime" is an aria composed by George Gershwin for the 1935 opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera was based, although the song is also co-credited to Ira Gershwin by ASCAP.... by George Gershwin George Gershwin George Gershwin was an American composer and pianist. Gershwin's compositions spanned both popular and classical genres, and his most popular melodies are widely known... performed by Renee Olstead Renee Olstead Rebecca Renee Olstead is an American actress and singer. Active since childhood as an actress, she is best known for her roles in the TV sitcoms Still Standing as Lauren Miller and The Secret Life of the American Teenager as Madison Cooperstein... |
| 2006–2007 | Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
N'as-tu pas Honte Un Grand Homme est Mort Aimer from Don Juan by Félix Gray Félix Gray Félix Boutboul, most know under the pseudonym of Félix Gray , is a French singer and songwriter.He has a daughter named Marie-Charlotte, born on 7 January 1991.-Compositions:He has composed texts for various artists :... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
Vole by Celine Dion Celine Dion Céline Marie Claudette Dion, , , is a Canadian singer. Born to a large family from Charlemagne, Quebec, Dion emerged as a teen star in the French-speaking world after her manager and future husband René Angélil mortgaged his home to finance her first record... |
| 2005–2006 | Like a Prayer Like a Prayer (song) "Like a Prayer" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna on her fourth studio album of the same name . It was released on March 21, 1989, by Sire Records as the album's lead single... Instrumental Version by Madonna Madonna (entertainer) Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983... and Patrick Leonard Patrick Leonard Patrick Raymond Leonard is an American songwriter, keyboardist and music producer, known for his longtime collaboration with Madonna on many different recordings.... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
Les Feuilles Mortes Autumn Leaves (song) "Autumn Leaves" is a much-recorded popular song. Originally it was a 1945 French song "Les Feuilles mortes" with music by Joseph Kosma and lyrics by poet Jacques Prévert. Yves Montand introduced "Les feuilles mortes" in 1946 in the film Les Portes de la Nuit... by Joseph Kosma Joseph Kosma Joseph Kosma was a Hungarian-French composer, of Jewish background.-Biography:Kosma was born József Kozma in Budapest, where his parents taught stenography and typing. He had a brother, Akos. A maternal relative was the photographer László Moholy-Nagy, and another relative was the conductor Georg... Hymne à l'Amour Hymne à l'amour "Hymne à l'amour" is a popular French song originally performed by Édith Piaf. The lyrics were written by Piaf and the music by Marguerite Monnot. She first sang this song at the cabaret Versailles in New York on September 14, 1949. It was written to her lover and the love of her life, the French... by Édith Piaf Édith Piaf Édith Piaf , born Édith Giovanna Gassion, was a French singer and cultural icon who became widely regarded as France's greatest popular singer. Her singing reflected her life, with her specialty being ballads... Choreographed by David Wilson David Wilson (figure skater) David Wilson is a Canadian former figure skater who currently works as a choreographer out of the Toronto Cricket and Skating Club.As a skater, his competitive career was cut short when he was diagnosed with Osgood-Schlatter disease... |
Like a Prayer Like a Prayer (song) "Like a Prayer" is a song by American singer-songwriter Madonna on her fourth studio album of the same name . It was released on March 21, 1989, by Sire Records as the album's lead single... by Madonna Madonna (entertainer) Madonna is an American singer-songwriter, actress and entrepreneur. Born in Bay City, Michigan, she moved to New York City in 1977 to pursue a career in modern dance. After performing in the music groups Breakfast Club and Emmy, she released her debut album in 1983... |
| 2004–2005 | Dumky Trio Piano Trio No. 4 (Dvorák) The Piano Trio No. 4 in E Minor is a piece by Antonin Dvořák for piano, violin and cello... by Antonín Dvořák Antonín Dvorák Antonín Leopold Dvořák was a Czech composer of late Romantic music, who employed the idioms of the folk music of Moravia and his native Bohemia. Dvořák’s own style is sometimes called "romantic-classicist synthesis". His works include symphonic, choral and chamber music, concerti, operas and many... Choreographed by Sébastien Britten Sébastien Britten Sebastien Britten is a Canadian figure skater. He is the 1995 Canadian national champion. He represented Canada at the 1994 Winter Olympics, where he placed 10th. In 1998, he beat several Olympic and World medallists to win the 1998 World Professional Figure Skating Championships held in Jaca,... |
The Firebird The Firebird The Firebird is a 1910 ballet created by the composer Igor Stravinsky and choreographer Michel Fokine. The ballet is based on Russian folk tales of the magical glowing bird of the same name that is both a blessing and a curse to its captor.... by Igor Stravinski Choreographed by Sébastien Britten Sébastien Britten Sebastien Britten is a Canadian figure skater. He is the 1995 Canadian national champion. He represented Canada at the 1994 Winter Olympics, where he placed 10th. In 1998, he beat several Olympic and World medallists to win the 1998 World Professional Figure Skating Championships held in Jaca,... |
Labour of Love by Frente |
| 2003–2004 | Metamorphoses and Other Plays by Willy Schwartz |
Il Etait Une Fois le Diable by Ennio Morricone Ennio Morricone Ennio Morricone, Grand Officer OMRI, , is an Italian composer and conductor, who wrote music to more than 500 motion pictures and television series, in a career lasting over 50 years. His scores have been included in over 20 award-winning films as well as several symphonic and choral pieces... |
Paint It Black by Vanessa Carlton Vanessa Carlton Vanessa Lee Carlton is an American singer-songwriter and musician. Upon completion of her education at the School of American Ballet, Carlton chose to pursue singing instead, performing in New York bars and clubs while attending university. Three months after recording a demo with producer Peter... |
Competitive highlights
| Event | 1998–99 | 1999-00 | 2000–01 | 2001–02 | 2002–03 | 2003–04 | 2004–05 | 2005–06 | 2006–07 | 2007–08 | 2008–09 | 2009–10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter Olympic Games Winter Olympic Games The Winter Olympic Games is a sporting event, which occurs every four years. The first celebration of the Winter Olympics was held in Chamonix, France, in 1924. The original sports were alpine and cross-country skiing, figure skating, ice hockey, Nordic combined, ski jumping and speed skating... |
5th | 3rd | ||||||||||
| World Championships World Figure Skating Championships The World Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which elite figure skaters compete for the title of World Champion... |
17th | 8th | 11th | 7th | 10th | 5th | 2nd | |||||
| Four Continents Championships Four Continents Figure Skating Championships The Four Continents Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition. The International Skating Union established it in 1999 to provide skaters representing non-European countries with a similar competition to the much older European Figure Skating Championships and a chance... |
9th | 8th | 4th | 3rd | 2nd | 2nd | ||||||
| World Junior Championships World Junior Figure Skating Championships The World Junior Figure Skating Championships is an annual figure skating competition sanctioned by the International Skating Union in which younger figure skaters compete for the title of World Junior Champion... |
8th | 5th | ||||||||||
| Canadian Championships Canadian Figure Skating Championships The Canadian Figure Skating Championships is a figure skating competition held annually to crown the national champions of Canada. It is organized by Skate Canada, the nation's figure skating governing body. The levels of the competition are senior and junior; in some years, the novice level has... |
15th N. | 1st N. | 1st J. | 3rd | 2nd | 2nd | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st | 1st |
| Grand Prix Final Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final The Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final is an international, senior-level figure skating competition. It is the culmination of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Skaters compete in men's singles, ladies' singles, pair skating, and ice dancing.... |
3rd | 4th | 5th | |||||||||
| Skate Canada International Skate Canada International The Skate Canada International is an international, senior-level invitation-only figure skating competition organized by Skate Canada. It is the second competition of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating. The location changes yearly. Medals are awarded in four disciplines: Ladies' singles, Men's... |
10th | 2nd | 1st | 3rd | 1st | 1st | ||||||
| Cup of China Cup of China The Cup of China is an international, senior-level figure skating competition held as part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The location changes yearly. Figure skaters compete in the disciplines of ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing.The Cup of China is... |
3rd | 3rd | ||||||||||
| Trophée Eric Bompard Trophée Eric Bompard The Trophée Eric Bompard is an international, senior-level figure skating competition held as part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. The Trophée Eric Bompard was formerly known as the Trophée Lalique... |
1st | 4th | 4th | 1st | ||||||||
| Cup of Russia Cup of Russia The Cup of Russia is an international, senior-level figure skating competition held as part of the ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating series. Figure skaters compete in the disciplines of ladies' singles, men's singles, pair skating, and ice dancing. It was held as the Rostelecom Cup in 2009 after... |
4th | 3rd | ||||||||||
| Bofrost Cup on Ice Bofrost Cup on Ice The Bofrost Cup on Ice was a figure skating competition held in Germany between 1986 and 2004. It was part of the Grand Prix series until 2003, when it was replaced by Cup of China. Following being booted out of the Grand Prix series, a new form of competition was introduced to the Bofrost Cup... |
1st | |||||||||||
| Junior Grand Prix, Italy | 3rd | |||||||||||
| Junior Grand Prix, Poland | 5th | |||||||||||
| Junior Grand Prix, Mexico | 4th | |||||||||||
| Junior Grand Prix, France | 5th | |||||||||||
| Mladost Trophy | 1st N. | |||||||||||
- N = Novice level, J = Junior level