Joannie Rochette

2010 Olympic ladies podium

Rochette 2010 Olympics SP

Joannie Rochette (born January 13, 1986) is a Canadian figure skater. She is the 2010 Olympic bronze medalist, the 2009 World silver medalist, a six-time Canadian national champion (2005–2010), and the 2004 Grand Prix Final bronze medalist.

Early Life

Joannie Rochette was born in Montreal, Quebec, and raised in Île Dupas, a small island community in the Lanaudière region. She began skating at the age of two and a half, inspired by her mother, who was a figure skating coach.

Skating Career

Rochette's early career was marked by success in junior competitions. She won the Canadian junior title in 2000 and made her senior debut in the 2001–2002 season. Rochette quickly established herself as a top contender in Canadian figure skating.

National Success

Rochette won her first senior national title in 2005 and went on to win the Canadian Championships six consecutive times. Her consistent performances earned her a place on the Canadian national team and opportunities to compete internationally.

International Competitions

Rochette's international breakthrough came in the 2004–2005 season when she won the bronze medal at the 2004 Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final. She continued to improve, winning the silver medal at the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships.

2010 Winter Olympics

At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Rochette delivered a memorable performance, winning the bronze medal just days after the sudden death of her mother. Her emotional strength and resilience were widely praised, and she became a symbol of courage and determination.

Post-Competitive Career

After the 2010 Olympics, Rochette took a break from competitive skating. She has since performed in various ice shows and has been involved in coaching and mentoring young skaters. Rochette has also been an advocate for heart health, inspired by her mother's passing due to a heart attack.

Personal Life

Rochette is fluent in both English and French. She has pursued studies in medicine, aiming to become a doctor. Her journey from a small-town skater to an Olympic medalist and her contributions to the sport have made her a beloved figure in Canadian sports.

Related Pages

• Figure Skating
• 2010 Winter Olympics
• 2009 World Figure Skating Championships
• Grand Prix of Figure Skating Final
• Canadian Figure Skating Championships