Memorable Night For Women's Figure Skating At 2010 Winter Games

Sports News - February 24th, 2010 - Written By Bryan Cross

The opening act for the women's singles ice skating competition got underway last night at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and provided the world with a night to remember.

Joannie Rochette of Canada took the ice only two days after the untimely death of her mother on Sunday. She skated out to center ice under immense support and applause from her home nation, electing to compete rather than withdraw.

"It was hard to handle, but I appreciate the support," Rochette remarked.

What followed was an emotional performance that ended with her personal best score, landing her in third place heading into the second part of the competition on Thursday.

As she closed her performance, the moment overcame her, and the tears could no longer be held. She expressed her gratitude towards the crowd and skated into the arms of her coach, Manon Perron.

"I watched her when she was getting ready to skate and she looked like she was struggling emotionally," said William Thompson, who is the CEO of Skate Canada. "I think her mother's jumping up and down in the sky. That was the dream performance."

Rochette trails only Kim Yu-na of South Korea and Mao Asada of Japan.

Kim set a new world record for high score following her flawless performance. The judges gave her a score of 78.5 points, which gives her a comfortable lead with the free style skate remaining. She came into the 2010 Winter games as the heavy favorite to take home the gold medal.

"I had waited a long time for the Olympics," Kim remarked after her performance. "I had ample time to practice and prepare, so I wasn't shaky or nervous just because it was the Olympics. I was able to relax and enjoy the competition."

Asada pulled off an impressive routine as well, and was pleased with her results despite the gap between her and Kim.

"Usually I think there's like a 10-point difference," Asada said after her skate. "So I feel good there's only this difference between myself and Yu-na."

Asada is considered Kim's chief rival for the gold medal, and both will battle for the top spot on Thursday.

Kim skated immediately following Asada's routine, and eluded to the fact that she felt very comfortable with being on the biggest stage in the world.

"I didn't think that this is the Olympics or I have to be perfect," Kim said. "It wasn't that special a feeling, it was the same as other competitions. So I was very comfortable, like the other competitions."

Kim has been installed as a big favorite to win the gold, as oddsmakers at Bodog have tabbed her as a 1/7 favorite to do so. Asada has been set with odds at 5/1. Rochette follows at 9/1, according to Olympic Betting Lines.