Figure skater Joannie Rochette to carry Canadian flag after Olympics marked by mother’s death

Rochette chosen as Canada’s closing flagbearer

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Figure skater Joannie Rochette has been chosen as Canada’s flagbearer for the closing ceremony of the Vancouver Olympics.

Rochette won a bronze medal, skating just days after the unexpected death of her mother in Vancouver.

The 24-year-old skater from Quebec says she is surprised by the honor of carrying the flag because Canada’s team has at least 13 gold medals. Team officials said Sunday she was selected because of her courageous performance last week, which inspired many of her teammates.

Rochette acknowledges it’s been a tough week for her emotionally. But she says she wants to walk into the closing ceremony Sunday night with a smile on her face and celebrate with her teammates.