Terrible news from Vancouver today; Canadian champion Joannie Rochette's mother, Therese, died Sunday morning in Vancouver, according to The Vancouver Sun. Rochette has already informed Skate Canada that she will still compete in the Olympics.
According to the article:
Therese Rochette, 55, had arrived in Vancouver with her husband Normand on Saturday after travelling from their home in Montreal. Early Sunday morning Therese was transported to Vancouver General Hospital where she died. Cause of death has not been revealed.
Joannie was still at the athletes village where she was informed by her father and by her longtime coach Manon Perron at about 6 a.m. Sunday.
It sounds like the death was unexpected. What terrible news.
Our hearts go out to Rochette and her family. She has made a brave decision to carry on with her Olympic dream. The ladies short program begins on Tuesday.