That's One Sweet Reward

It was a headline that just begged to be written.
“Mrs. Doherty goes to Tokyo.”
(you know, kinda like that old movie, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington)
Alas, for Lesley Hawker, Canada's two women's tickets to the world championships in Japan are going to Joannie Rochette — now a three-time champion — and teen dynamo Mira Leung, who won the night in the court of public opinion (the standing ovation being the ultimate statement in that regard).
But Hawker is hardly going home empty-handed. There's a second straight bronze medal to savour, and another opportunity to skate in Sunday's closing gala. Her best overall performance at Canadians, with a boatload of personal best scores to prove it. Probably a trip to the Four Continents Championship in Colorado Springs, too.
Still ...
“A trip to Tokyo on the world team. That’s what I wanted,” said Hawker, who had a Metro Centre crowd wanting for her so badly tonight. “But I gave it everything I had here, so that’s the best that I can ask for.”
“I’m going to get there. Jo and Mira are a great team to send (to worlds), and hopefully they can get three spots for us for next year.”
More than ever, Hawker is certain her day is coming to come.
“Don’t worry, this is not going to be a habit. I promise,” she said with a laugh. “I’m close. I need to keep pushing the technical (side), and really go home and keep smoothing things out. I like where I’m heading as a skater.”
The technical boost might well come in the form of a triple Axel. Hawker has been working on them, and wants to put one in her program. Sooner rather than later.
“It's been a dream of mine for a long time ... I'm really happy with the way it's coming,” she said. “I’m going to go for it. You need to — the Japanese girls are doing them now.”
The 25-year-old left the media zone with a smile on her face and her skating dreams still very much alive. And a favourite treat awaiting her as a reward for a job well done. Chocolate bars, precisely lined up in her hotel room, and ...
“Oatmeal cookies!,” she said. “If I have oatmeal cookies and tea, I’m in heaven. I’m an easy girl to please.”
Bon appetit, Mrs. Doherty. You've earned it.