Rochette turns into icon of Olympic inspiration

Vancouver, Feb 27: Figure skater Joannie Rochette securing the bronze medal at the Canadian Olympics has turned into a big story of inspiration.

Rochette, who lost her mother recently, must have, like any other human being, felt like packing her bags and going home to mourn the death of her beloved mother.

Rochette's mother Therese Rochette, who was the skater's biggest fan and best friend, died of a massive heart attack upon arrival in Vancouver last week.

The grief of losing a mother like that would weigh down any sports person's spirit.

But, Rochette knew that her mother would not like the idea of her quitting. So, she went ahead and participated in the games to win a medal at the finals on Thursday, Feb 25.

“I just went out there and did what my mother would have wanted me to do," said a teary-eyed Rochette.

Speaking publicly for the first time since her mother's death, the Canadian figure skater said, “I did this first of all for myself because my mother taught me to think of myself first. She always wanted me to be a strong person."

With this victory, 24-year-old Rochette not only stunned the home crowd with her performance but also left the world misty eyed by displaying the strength of human spirit.

OneIndia News