Joannie Rochette

Joannie Rochette , a Canadian figure skater, just had a tragic turn in her Olympics -- her mother Therese died today at 55 while in Vancouver to watch her daughter compete. The cause of death has not been announced, and Joannie was said to have taken the day off from practicing for Tuesday's short program to mourn with her father Normand. Rochette is said to be Canada's best hope for a medal, and according to the New York Times . The last Canadian to win a medal in women's figure skating was...Read Full Story

Ah, women's figure skating. In the world of female winter athletes, these competitive, disciplined beauties are comparative to the tough and unbelievably tenacious prima donna pixies of gymnastics. Similar requirements between both sports included plastered smiles, cemented hair, flashy spandex uniforms, half an inch of makeup and a healthy dose of sass (and yes, I do have friend in both sports who are probably going to kick my butt for those comments). Both sports require early mental and...Read Full Story

Ah, women's figure skating. In the world of female winter athletes, these competitive, disciplined beauties are comparative to the tough and unbelievably tenacious prima donna pixies of gymnastics. Similar requirements between both sports included plastered smiles, cemented hair, flashy spandex uniforms, half an inch of makeup and a healthy dose of sass (and yes, I do have friend in both sports who are probably going to kick my butt for those comments). Both sports require early mental and...Read Full Story

Joannie Rochette: Canadian Ice Princess by Christine Dzidrums , Leah Rendon (3) Buy new: $12.99 2 used & new from $12.99 (Visit the Most Gifted in Regional Canada list for authoritative information on this product's current rank.) See all bestsellers Click HereRead Full Story

Six-time Canadian figure skating champion Joannie Rochette will pursue her Olympic dream despite being dealt a devastating blow on Sunday with the death of her mother just two days before she is just due to compete. The world silver-medallist took to the ice for practise at the Pacific Coliseum just hours after 55-year-old Therese Rochette died of a heart attack at Vancouver General Hospital. "I wasn't expecting to see her and skating well," said Skate Canada CEO William Thompson. "But being...Read Full Story