I am in awe of Joannie Rochette. Her mother died suddenly of a heart attack on Sunday, and she was able to complete in the Olympics just days later. I remember when something similar happened a few years ago, when Brett Favre played in a football game the same day his father died. Back then, I was at a loss as to how someone could have the presence to focus on a sport when he or she had just suffered a loss. But I understand now that what Joannie (and Brett) did is a testament to how much they loved their parents. How much they appreciate the sacrifices their parents made that allowed them to reach such an elite level of a sport. And also, you never, ever stop wanting to make your mom or dad proud of you. I think Joannie did a wonderful job of keeping her emotions together, to honor the sacrifices her mother made by competing. She won a bronze medal for her efforts. Here's an interview with Joannie Rochette, in which she explains how she was able to do what she did:
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Even though she only won the bronze medal, Rochette deserves a gold medal for her courage and perseverance through the most difficult of times. Very few athletes would have taken part in a sporting event as huge as the Olympics (or any other event) shortly after the tragic death of a loved one.
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