Joannie Rochette: Skate Tribute to Mother Going Ahead

According to a recent report at ctvolympics.ca, Canadian figure skater Joannie Rochette – who won a bronze medal at last month’s Winter Olympics – will be allowed to skate a tribute to her mother, in a special made-for-television event.

The International Skating Union (ISU) has decided to give Rochette permission to skate in “Thin Ice” this week at a U.S. casino. They’ve granted her permission, even though she won’t be competing in next week’s World Championships.

William Thompson – Skate Canada chief executive – said “We appreciate that the ISU worked with us to find a solution for this situation.” Joannie’s mom Therese died of a heart attack, only four days before Joannie was due to perform in Vancouver.

Only a day after Rochette had announced that she was not taking part in the World Championships in Italy, she was given a waiver to a rule that keeps skaters from leaving ISU events. Rochette will be performing to Celine Dion’s “Vole.”