Joannie Rochette withdraws from ISU World Figure Skating Championships | Attention: Sports Editors
For Immediate Release Date: March 15, 2010 |
For Information: | David Baden IMG 212.774.4336 |
Joannie Rochette withdraws from ISU World Figure Skating Championships
OTTAWA, ON: Olympic bronze medalist, and reigning world silver medalist, Joannie Rochette, has withdrawn from next week’s ISU World Figure Skating Championships.
The 24-year old from Île Dupas, Quebec competed at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver just shortly after her mother Thérèse Rochette passed away. The emotional toll of the last three weeks played a significant part in Rochette’s decision not to compete at the championships in Torino, Italy taking place March 22-28.
“With everything that has happened over the past few weeks, I have missed a significant amount of training time. That means I’m not prepared either emotionally or physically to skate well at these championships and once again challenge for the podium.” said Rochette. “Whenever I compete I want to give my best to the fans, and to respect the competitive nature of the sport. I just would not be able to do that for either the fans or myself next week.”
“I also want to thank everyone in both Canada and around the world who have been so supportive of me. There has been so much kindness shown to me and to my family. I want you all to know that your words of encouragement have truly helped me to get through this very difficult time,” continued Rochette. “I also want to wish our Canadian team members all the very best as they compete in Torino. They all have my best wishes for a great competition.”
Rochette’s spot on the Canadian team will be filled by Myriane Samson, 22, of St.-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. Samson is coached by Nathalie Martin, Danièle Robillard, and Manon Perron at CPA Saint-Léonard in Montreal. She joins Cynthia Phaneuf, 22 of Contrecoeur, Quebec as Canada’s two representatives in the Ladies event at the championships.
Joannie, the past few weeks have been very tough for you and your family, and you have tremendous courage to go through this difficult time. You surely know what is best for you. We love you as Joannie Rochette, not as a medalist. You have our full support whether you skate or not. We’ll always love you!
Comment by Irene - Philadelphia, PA — 15 March 2010 @ 16:53
My family and I feel your pain and support what ever decision you make. Will miss you competing but you do need your greaving time. You have made Canada proud but it is now time for you to recharge. Enjoy the family and friend support you are receiving not to mention the support from your fans. You are loved and our sympathy goes out to you.
Looking forward to seeing you at the next competition !! Rest you deserve it more than any one we know !! All the best .
Comment by Johanne Glenn — 15 March 2010 @ 17:26
Continuing to pray for you and your family, Joannie, and for wisdom concerning the Thin Ice event. Praying also that the ISU will show you grace and make an exception to their rules. I believe you made a wise decision not to compete in the worlds this year, the extra pressure would probably not be a good thing right now!
Comment by Marcia Bronson — 15 March 2010 @ 19:41
Hi, I am your Fan and Korean.
You show us too much and You are real Champ.
I also youna kim, but I deeply Impressed your playing in Olympic.
We all may be proud of you and
get cheer up! and Return the next season.
We all expect to see you again on the ice.
all will be good and God bless you.
Comment by Jong.S. Keum — 16 March 2010 @ 04:32
Australia is behind you and you are loved down here :) I hope you continue to skate welll for your mum and family, yourself and for your country :)
PS. Come to Australia soon!! :)
Comment by Simon — 16 March 2010 @ 06:30
You have been a strong and inspiring women and we all respect your decision. I as well as others wish you the very best in whatever lies ahead for you in your future. Best wishes.
Comment by Chad Eyben — 16 March 2010 @ 07:05
Hi There
I have never looked up another skater’s webpage much less posted a comment but I was curious about a passing comment from someone that you had pulled out of Worlds. I was sure that you would not skate at the Olympics after your tragic loss but you showed me and the rest of Canada and indeed the rest of the world such grace under pressure, such poise under pain and nerves of steel when your knees must have felt so weak. Brava to you – it is efforts like yours that make this a country of great people. I am glad you are taking off the time you need and skipping the Worlds this year. No one could have asked more of you then you asked of yourself last month. Now take the time for you.
Comment by Katlin Johnston — 16 March 2010 @ 19:53
Hi Joannie, you deserve a lot of credit for doing as well as you did at the Olympics under the circumstances you were under. You did an amazing performance and I am sure Canada is very proud of you.
I completely understand your decision to withdraw from the World’s Competion this year. You need time to grieve your Mother’s loss and after you have done that I am sure you will rise again and be the Star that you are. All the best to you and your family. Your a very courageous young woman. Congratulations on your Bronze Medal at the 2010 Olympic Games . You showed style and grace and made Canada very proud !!
Comment by Wendy Wark — 18 March 2010 @ 07:13
Our Dear Joannie,
We are sorry to hear that you will not compete in the Worlds, but we surely do understand.
We understand so much more this week, as my own dear mother passed away 3 days ago, and we are preparing for her funeral services. I love to sing, and I’m going to do my best to be strong enough to sing at Mom’s funeral. The strength you showed us by skating in the Olympics has given me much inspiration at this time. Please pray for our family, as we will continue to pray for you.
A reminder to you and all who read that I can share at this time: Cherish your father. Love your paraents while you are still able to, while they are still with you. My wife and I just lost our last surviving parent, so we now only have memories to cherish.
Joannie, You gave your very best and so much more at the Olympics, and you deserve a time of rest and to be with your family. We respect your decision to withdraw from the Workds, and that you recognize that you are not prepared to skate your best at this time. It is better to not compete until you are properly prepared and ready.
May God bless you and your father, and grant you peace and much valued time together.
With our Love,
David and Maggie Levi
Maryland, USA
Comment by David and Maggie Levi — 18 March 2010 @ 12:01
I am happy to see you making a decision that is best for you at this time. You deserve some time for yourself. Best of luck in whatever your future holds. Whether it is in skating or something else, I know you will be successful!
Comment by Terry McNamee — 18 March 2010 @ 15:27
As a proud Canadian, I just want to say you are truly a remarkable and courageous young woman. You skated with so much confidence, beauty and grace. The world is so proud of your accomplishements at the Olympics. You are a gold medalist in our hearts.
Taking time out to spend with your family and friends is what is most important. You need to allow yourself time to heal and remember all the wonderful memories you have of you mom. We will be standing by to support you when you return. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Comment by Kari Poole — 18 March 2010 @ 21:40
Joannie
You have done us so proud and the whole country is behind you. You demonstrated your strength of character, amazing grace and poise and determination under the worst of conditions. You take all the time you need. My wishes go to you and your father. When you decide to return to the ice, Canada and the rest of the world will welcome you with open arms.
James – Edmonton, AB, Canada
Comment by James Fox — 26 March 2010 @ 09:07
I guess the partying continues… can you party for 10 straight days, the same amount of time that you let you mother lie on a cold slab before you buried her???? Last I checked, the worlds went just fine without having to give you the sympathic vote, like you got in Vancouver….
Comment by John Catolano — 28 March 2010 @ 22:33