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Catherine Rochette
Catherine Rochette Aims for Perfection
From October 2 to 11, 2007, National Bank Champion Catherine Rochette lived a unique experience: she took part in the rhythmic gymnastics competitions of the Special Olympic Games in Shangai.
Aside from living unforgettable moments in China’s most populous city, she brought back home five medals: she won all-round finals as well as ribbon, came in second at the ball and third at the hoop and rope.
Her successes brought much pride to her family, her friends and her colleagues in Pont-Rouge. The newspapers, the pharmacy where she works and her club, Rayon de soleil, all made good mention of her performances.
One thing is certain, her mother and coach was very happy: When Catherine was born, I could not
imagine that she would take us to China. It was a very nice surprise
, says Johanne Paquet.
The 24-year-old athlete being a perfectionist, she always aims for medals. She almost reached perfection during the Canada Special Olympics in July 2006, after showing up on the top step of the podium on four occasions.
For many, having a child with Down’s syndrome seems like a hardship. For us, it was not so. Catherine
is really a great child and she fills us with pride and happiness
, says her mother.
Catherine’s parents transferred their passion for sports onto her: she touched track and field, basketball, swimming and bowling; also, she recently begun downhill skiing.
Sport is very a important part of Catherine’s life. It helps her keep in shape, since people with
Down’s Syndrome tend to be somewhat overweight. And she loves food!
explain her mother, laughing.
Why did she choose gymnastics? Catherine was a perfectionist; hence sports with a focus on speed are
more difficult for her because she wants to execute every movement so perfectly that she is not able to
be fast.
For example, she tried swimming and she loved it. However, she could not go fast because she was concentrating on the perfection of her leg and arm movements.
The fact that she always strives for perfection led the Québec Special Olympics movement athlete to
perform on the mat. This quality helped her excel in rhythmic gymnastics, a sport which requires a
lot of precision and perseverance
, explains her mother.
Also, Catherine really likes music, she loves to dance and she is very flexible. It is the ideal
sport for her, it makes her feel good
, she concludes.
Until Saturday, May 3, when Catherine will perform at Centre Pierre-Charbonneau, the National Bank Champion will practice her routine relentlessly, without ever getting tired of it!
