Joannie Rochette was one of Canada’s biggest hopes for a medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver this year, and the girl showed some great courage by participating in the Olympics barely two days after her mother died of a heart attack.

Her ice skating solo performance was extremely emotional but the 24-year old skater was resilient and continued in the competition, only to win the praise and support from her fans.

Rochette held back tears before her time came to perform and put in her all into the performance, landing her the third place in Thursday’s free skate. She could not control herself and burst into tears as soon her her program came to an end.