Despite Grief, Canadian Skater Joannie Rochette is Determined to Fight for Olympic Gold
A week after her mother suddenly died, skater Joannie Rochette competes for a gold medal.
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February 25, 2010
Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette's mother was her best friend and most loyal fan. However, when Rochette competes for Olympic gold in the women's short program tonight, her mom - who died suddenly of a heart attack last Sunday - will be conspicuously absent.
The 24-year-old first wowed the crowd on Tuesday, just three days after the devastating news, when she showed incredible resilience by stepping on the ice and delivering what commentators described as the best performance of her career, putting her in the bronze position for tonight's medal event.
Afterwards, as she was waiting for the score, she cried in the arms of her longtime coach Manon Perron.
Meanwhile, Mike Slipchuk, high performance director for Skate Canada, told CNN that "her mother is inside her heart and soul, so she'll be there for her," adding that "[Joannie] will draw from that strength."
The Centers for Disease Control says heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 600,000 Americans each year.
However, experts say it is possible to modify one's lifestyle to reduce the risk and live a full, thriving life. In particular, physical exercise and a diet rich in fresh produce and low in red meats have been shown to bring health benefits.
Those who would like to support efforts to educate society about the dangers of heart disease and ways to prevent it may donate to the American Heart Association. This and other organizations also offer valuable information and resources for survivors and their families.
Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette's mother was her best friend and most loyal fan. However, when Rochette competes for Olympic gold in the women's short program tonight, her mom - who died suddenly of a heart attack last Sunday - will be conspicuously absent.
The 24-year-old first wowed the crowd on Tuesday, just three days after the devastating news, when she showed incredible resilience by stepping on the ice and delivering what commentators described as the best performance of her career, putting her in the bronze position for tonight's medal event.
Afterwards, as she was waiting for the score, she cried in the arms of her longtime coach Manon Perron.
Meanwhile, Mike Slipchuk, high performance director for Skate Canada, told CNN that "her mother is inside her heart and soul, so she'll be there for her," adding that "[Joannie] will draw from that strength."
The Centers for Disease Control says heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., killing more than 600,000 Americans each year.
However, experts say it is possible to modify one's lifestyle to reduce the risk and live a full, thriving life. In particular, physical exercise and a diet rich in fresh produce and low in red meats have been shown to bring health benefits.
Those who would like to support efforts to educate society about the dangers of heart disease and ways to prevent it may donate to the American Heart Association. This and other organizations also offer valuable information and resources for survivors and their families.
