After nine days of competitions in Vancouver, the U.S. leads with 24 medals (7 gold medals, 7 silver and 10 bronze). The second position belongs to Germany with 18 medals (6+7+5), followed by Norway with 12 medals (5+3+4).

Canada, which hosts this competition, is ranked only 5th after nine days, with 9 medals; 4 gold medals, 4 silver and 1 bronze, in perfect equality with South Korea.

It’s not the best start for the Canadian team who still hopes to compensate by their next performance the uninspired beginning. Another sad situation for the Canadian tem is connected with the champion Joannie Rochette. Her mother died of a heart attack.

Rochette obtained the silver-medal at the 2009 world championships, and she was considered the most important opponent for the Asian athletes. She decided to continue the competition, but it’s not difficult to realize what she is going through, even if the millions of fans, the coach, and many friends continue to encourage her.