Canadian Joannie Rochette's courage has been rewarded with a bronze medal in figure skating at the Olympic Games.

Reigning world champion Kim Yu-Na of South Korea won gold with a world record score that left all the other skaters in her tracks. But Rochette was also the big winner on the night, climbing onto the podium just days after her mother's death due to a heart attack.

It's the first medal by a Canadian in Olympic women's singles since Elizabeth Manley in 1988.

Kim, coached by Canadian Brian Orser, led after the short program. And she upped her total to 228.56 points after an athletic, elegant performance skating to Concerto in F by George Gershwin.

Skating just before Rochette, Mao Asada of Japan moved into second with 205.5.

Rochette had a couple of mishaps on the night. She stepped out of the landing on a triple flip and opted not to do a second double Axel in a combination.

The 24-year-old from Ile-Dupas, Que., finished with 202.64.