Joannie Rochette

Joannie Rochette is a Canadian figure skating champion and Olympic bronze medalist who has transitioned from the ice to a career in medicine. She began skating at age two and quickly rose through the ranks of Canadian figure skating. She became the first female skater to win the Canadian national title across all categories in 2005. She won six consecutive national titles from 2005 to 2010 and earned a silver medal at the 2009 World Championships. Rochette secured three medals at the Four Continents Championships and 11 medals on the ISU Grand Prix circuit.

Her most defining moment came at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Just days before the competition, Rochette's mother, Thérèse, passed away from a heart attack. Despite her grief, Rochette chose to compete and delivered a personal best short program, followed by a free skate that earned her the bronze medal. Her performance inspired the nation, and she was honored as Canada's flag bearer at the closing ceremony.

After retiring from competitive skating, Rochette pursued a medical degree at McGill University, graduating in 2020. She is currently completing her residency in anesthesiology at the Université de Montréal. Rochette remains active in the figure skating community and continues to inspire others with her resilience and dedication.