Bronze Medalist at the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games, World Vice-Champion in 2009 and crowned Canadian Champion six times, Joannie Rochette is, without a doubt, one of Canada’s most brilliant figure skaters in its history. Born on Île Dupas, Quebec, in the Lanaudière region, she has become a force to reckon with, allying power, perfectionism, fire and grace on ice.
After lacing up her first pair of skates at merely age 2, she grew into her full potential at the turn of the millennium. In 2005, Joannie won her first Canadian Championship title, becoming the first ever Canadian female figure skater to win the national title across all categories.
She has been medaled 11 times over the course of her brilliant world journey, by the International Skating Unions Grand Prix Circuit and during 3 Four Continents Championships. Joannie saw her greatest dream come true when she competed at the Turin Olympic Games in 2006. Ranking 5th, Joannie surpassed her goal of reaching top 10.
Four years later, at the Vancouver Olympic Games, the figure skater would inspire a nation by showcasing power and exceptional courage. All recall her stepping onto the third step of the podium, just days after losing her mother to a heart attack. After performing outstandingly, Joannie was chosen to carry the Canadian flag during the Games’ closing ceremony. For her determination and humility in adversity, she was nominated Female Athlete of the Year by the Canadian Press (2010) and co-winner of the Terry Fox Award (2010).
Joannie is dedicated to positive change and has worked with organizations such as World Vision (Peru 2009, Honduras 2011) and Right to Play (Rwanda 2013, Ghana 2017). She is also involved with the iheartmom campaign (Ottawa University), the Montreal Heart Institute, the Bruny Surin Foundation, We Day and the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Joannie’s connection to heart disease and stroke has led her to volunteering as Honorary Chair of Heart & Stroke Canvass where she speaks about her experience and her hopes for empowering more women to make their heart health a priority.
A $5,000 donation was made in Joannie’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, a leading funder of life-saving research. For more information on the Heart and Stroke Foundation visit heartandstroke.ca
To learn more about Joannie Rochette and her story visit joannierochette.ca