At the 2010 Winter Olympics, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette inspired a nation when she won the bronze medal, just days after tragically losing her mother. Following her performance, she was named Canada’s flag bearer for the closing ceremonies and chosen as a co-recipient of the Vancouver 2010 Terry Fox Award for her display of determination and humility in the face of adversity. Speaking with warmth and candour about following your dreams and overcoming challenges, Rochette continues to inspire Canadians from coast to coast.
Rochette first laced up her skates just shy of her second birthday, and her potential quickly became apparent as she clinched the Canadian novice title in the early 2000s, followed by the junior title. In 2005, she won her first Canadian senior crown, becoming the first female skater to win the national title across all categories. Her international career was equally impressive, earning 11 medals on the International Skating Union’s Grand Prix circuit and three medals at the Four Continents Championships. In 2006, Rochette achieved her biggest dream when she competed at her first Olympics. She finished 5th, exceeding her goal of ranking among the top 10.
Rochette’s dedication extends beyond the rink. She has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts, collaborating with organizations such as World Vision and Right to Play. She has also supported initiatives like the iheartmom campaign with the University of Ottawa, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Montreal Heart Institute, and the Bruny Surin Foundation. In 2013, Rochette lent her voice to the character Rochelle in Les avions, the French version of Disney’s animated film, Planes. She is also a long-standing performer with Stars on Ice.
Always seeking new challenges, Rochette graduated with a medical degree from McGill University in 2020 and is currently pursuing her residency in anesthesiology at the University of Montreal. Her exceptional journey, both on and off the ice, makes her an inspiring speaker, capable of reaching and motivating audiences from all walks of life.
