Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulates Joannie Rochette on Olympic Bronze Medal

February 26, 2010

VANCOUVER – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Joannie Rochette, whose exceptional performance today in the women’s figure skating event was rewarded with a bronze medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

“I offer my sincere congratulations to Joannie for her moving and inspirational medal-winning performance,” said the Prime Minister.  “Her commitment and dedication to her sport under these exceptionally difficult circumstances has touched the hearts of all Canadians.”
 
Ms. Rochette was born in Montreal, where she currently resides.  This is her first medal in her second Olympic Games.  She has competed at seven World Championships, winning silver in 2009.  She is also a six-time Canadian champion, and has won three medals at the International Skating Unions Four Continents Cup.
 
The 2010 Olympic Winter Games are being held from February 12 to 28.  Canada is being represented by more than 200 athletes who are competing in a 15-sport competition schedule at nine venues in Vancouver, Richmond and Whistler.  More than 5,500 athletes, coaches and team officials from more than 80 countries are participating in these Olympic Games.