O Canada! A Tribute to Canadian Figure Skating: Joannie Rochette's "The Firebird" by Igor Stravinski

At the Olympics in February, 24-year-old Joannie Rochette captured a the bronze medal, becoming the first Canadian woman to medal at an Olympics since Elizabeth Manley's silver medal at the 1998 Olympic Games in Calgary. What makes her accomplishment even more incredible is that Joannie's mother, Thérèse Rochette, died of a heart attack just days before the competition began. Some thought that Joannie would withdraw from the skating event to grieve for her mother and spend time with her family, but Joannie decided that her mother would want her to compete, since medaling at the Olympics, was a dream that she and her mother had shared. No one will forget Joannie's courage and strength as she skated on Olympic ice under immense pressure, all while going through heartbreak. Joannie was an example of bravery, determination, and the power of the Olympic dream. She skated perfectly in the short program, and only made some minor errors in the freeskate, none of which marred the elegance and raw emotions of her heroic "Samson and Delilah" program. Unfortunately, I am unable to find a good version of Joannie's Olympic performances at this time, due to copyright violations, so I will instead post another one of her terrific performances.

During the 2004-2005 season, Joannie skated to "The Firebird" by Igor Stravinski. It was a dynamic program that lead her to two Grand Prix medals: a gold and a bronze, en route to a bronze medal at the Grand Prix final. Joannie also skated this program at the 2005 Canadian Championships, where she skated wonderfully, to the delight of the enthusiastic crowd, winning her first national title. Joannie is the first Canadian female skater to win national titles at the novice, junior, and senior levels. She went on to win five more national titles, finished 5th at the 2006 Winter Olympics, and 2nd at the 2009 World Figure Skating Championships. Joannie has elected to take this season off, and her future competitive plans are undecided.

Joannie is a powerful jumper, a beautiful artist, and a lovely, courageous person. Bravo to a fine Candadian champion! I hope you enjoy watching her skate.

Joannie's "The Firebird" by Igor Stravinski: