Feb 15 • 08:37 UTC 🇮🇹 Italy Il Giornale

Malinin in despair? I've been through it: it's knowing how to get back up that makes you a champion

Carolina Kostner reflects on her medal achievements and the importance of resilience in competitive sports.

Carolina Kostner, who recently accompanied the Italian team as a coach and also worked with Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama, expressed her pride in winning medals at the Olympics. She emphasized that while the medals ultimately belong to the athletes, the journey and experience around obtaining them are equally significant. Kostner reflected on the unique pressures of the Olympic Games compared to other competitions, admitting that they are indeed different and more challenging, despite the reassurance athletes often tell themselves.

Kostner highlighted the historical significance of the bronze medal achieved by the Italian team, noting that they had worked hard for this moment after finishing fourth in the past two attempts. She believes their success came at the right time, especially in front of a home crowd. The team's victory holds a special place in their journey, marking a triumphant moment for Italian figure skating.

In her coaching role with Yuma Kagiyama, Kostner aimed to instill a sense of the Olympic experience that is unparalleled by world championships. Adding a touch of 'Italian chaos' while maintaining strict discipline, she balanced her coaching style to ensure a respectful environment conducive to high performance. Kostner's reflections underscore the blend of emotional and technical facets involved in achieving success at the highest levels of sport, particularly in the unique context of the Olympics.

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