Canadian skater Joannie Rochette is getting plenty of support at the Vancouver Olympics, including from IOC president Jacques Rogge.
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Rochette, whose mother died on the weekend, stands third in the women’s figure skating competition going into Thursday’s long program.
“This must be a very tough time for her, I respect totally what she does,” Rogge told reporters Wednesday. “I wish her well for the long program . . . A bronze or even better would be nice, it is never going to be a consolation but I totally respect her decision (to compete) and I admire her courage.”
At an event to honour Olympic mothers at Canada Olympic House, dozens of Olympic moms past and present observed a moment of silence in honour of Therese Rochette after an emcee read a letter from Joannie.
“I never thought life could change so quickly, but it has,” Rochette said in the letter.
“I’m fortunate enough to have a close family and friends that are helping me. I don’t know if I could have gotten to where I am today without these incredible people supporting me. I’m sorry I cannot be here with you tonight, but please know that I feel your love and support.”
Carol Morrison, whose son Denny Morrison competed in speed skating at the 2006 Olympics and is also competing in Vancouver, said learning about Therese Rochette’s death hit home.
“I was watching (Joannie Rochette’s performance) on television and I cried probably like the rest of everyone else in Canada,” said Morrison after the event.
“Her mother is only a couple years older than I am, and as soon as I heard that news, I thought of Denny, and I thought, ‘How would he react if that was me?’ I give Joannie so much credit – she is a remarkable girl.”
Morrison said Rochette did the right thing by competing.
“I know that any mother would want their child to do what she’s doing and to go on and finish their competition – they would want that,” she said. “And I’m sure that her mother’s right there with her every step of the way. She is just one strong, awesome girl, and I feel for her.”
Meanwhile, fans have flocked to social networking websites to show their support for Rochette.
“You may not have seen us, but worldwide you were getting a standing ovation! My sympathies from Boston!” said Facebook user Susan Szambelan.
Ahmed V. Ortiz called Rochette’s short program Tuesday night ”inspired.”
“Simply amazing,” Ortiz wrote on Facebook. “Know that you have millions and millions of people in your corner. God bless you.”
One Twitter user suggested Rochette as a candidate for flag-bearer at the closing ceremonies.
“Time 2 start talking about flag-bearer at closing ceremonies,” said @McD-Canada. “For the grace and courage she displayed, Joannie Rochette is my choice.
