Rochette returns to Montreal

Olympic hero Joannie Rochette arrived in Montreal on Monday to a crowd of cheering fans.A welcoming party of more than 150 fans, including two busloads of people from Berthierville, Que., were on hand to see the Olympic star and other Quebec athletes return from Vancouver.The ever-growing crowd, wearing Canada Olympic gear and waving flags gave Rochette a roaring welcome.Against the tragic backdrop of losing her mother just days before she was to compete, the 24-year-old from Ile Dupas, Que. finished with a bronze medal.Therese Rochette died of a massive heart attack soon after arriving in Vancouver. She was 55.Rochette said her mother was always discreet and reserved and raised her away from the media spotlight and she said that in keeping with that, she hopes to grieve in private.She also said she had doubts about carrying the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies because a bronze medal seemed unworthy of the honour but accepted it with enthusiasm.She also thanked her parents and her coach for keeping her focused on the ice in the past week.