Canada's Saving Grace

Sometimes, the result isn't the whole story. Even if the final number was so critical to the immediate future of Canadian women's skating.
When Joannie Rochette stepped on the ice at the world championships in Tokyo earlier today, the weight on her shoulders was immense. With compatriot Mira Leung having skidded to a 24th-place finish, the petite three-time Canadian champ from Ile-Dupas, Que., knew it was on her to save the day. To assure a nation of aspiring young skaters back home that there would be a second women's world berth to chase in 2008.
After a disastrous short program that left her in 16th place, it meant a climb of at least four places was necessary in the free skate, against perhaps the toughest field she'd ever faced in competition. But the will was clearly there, and that's where it had to start.
“I wanted to come back and fight for it,” Rochette, 21, told reporters afterward. “I knew I needed a top-12 finish.”
Turns out she went two steps better. With a free skate judged to be fifth-best on the night, Rochette battled back to finish 10th and got the job done. That part, she had to be happy about. But Rochette also saw what she's up against now — the new technical heights reached by the three medallists, Japan's Miki Ando (gold) and Mao Asada (silver), and Yu-Na Kim of Korea (bronze) — and knows her arsenal isn't anywhere near good enough yet. She needs triple-triple combinations and, perhaps down the road, even a triple Axel.
Good part is, Rochette knows she's got that kind of talent in her. But she also is very aware she can't make a habit of digging herself the kind of hole she had to climb out of in Tokyo.
“I never want to feel like that again,” she said, the strain of the day clearly evident.
It reminds me of the emotion another Canadian female skater once displayed after two straight disappointments at the national championships. But Jennifer Robinson wanted no pity or condolences on that 1998 night in Hamilton, and vowed to return with a vengeance.
Five straight Canadian titles later, she'd clearly backed up her words. Robinson was also the one to get that vital second worlds spot back for Canada, and inspired a generation of young girls across the country.
Rochette did her part for the country today. Now she needs to do what's necessary for herself to compete in what is now “a different game.”
It's a battle that isn't about to get easier anytime soon.