Hello everyone,

As you may already know, figure skater Joannie Rochette got sad news yesterday, the death of her mother Thérèse Rochette.  The whole sports community is behind her, and so are Canadians. Joannie is perseverant.  She plans on competing despite this difficult situation.

At the press conference yesterday morning, the Mission’s Chief Nathalie Lambert said that she was planning to meet with Joannie Rochette and support her decision. Nathalie wanted to let her know that the Federation is behind her and that she can always change her mind.

Joannie is well surrounded by her friends, family and her long time trainer, who is also one of her best friends.

Joannie is an extraordinary woman and I’m offering her my sympathy. I think that the best thing we can do for her is to respect her decision and support her.

Alex