Carolina Kostner: “For Malinin, it was definitely tough. Getting up after a fall is very personal. But you need to know that a fall doesn’t define your career; in fact, it can help you understand what you want to do more or differently next time.”
Carolina Kostner reflected on Ilia Malinin’s Olympic disappointment, the challenges of being both a parent and coach, and the importance of resilience after a fall, while celebrating Italy’s bronze in the Team Event at Milano Cortina 2026.
original source: vanityfair.it dd. 18th February 2026 by Chiara Pizzimenti
Carolina Kostner, at Casa Italia to celebrate Italy’s bronze medal in the Team Event for figure skating, commented on the case of American skater Ilia Malinin, the most anticipated athlete at Milano Cortina 2026, who fell in the long program and lost a medal that had seemed certain. Here’s a translation of her comments.
“For Malinin, it was definitely tough. It’s happened to me several times, and I remember wanting to disappear into the ice in those moments. In the midst of the storm, it’s very hard to see the light, the sun, but we know that in life the sun returns, the wheel turns, and we all know he’s a fantastic and unique athlete. I’m sure he’ll recover and show us what he can really do.”
Many were struck by the reaction of his father, who is also his coach. “Being both a father and a coach at the same time is a very difficult position. Probably, the father wanted to hug him a lot, and I’m sure they did so behind the scenes. In that moment, I would refrain from judging the situation.”
Kostner’s joy was all for the Italian skaters who won bronze in the Team Event: Italy’s third medal of the same color in figure skating, after the Fusar Poli-Margaglio pair in ice dance and her own in singles at Sochi. Does competing at home bring energy or responsibility? “Both are true. On one hand, it fills you with joy knowing your family and friends can be there with you; on the other, it can create extra responsibility. In our case, the audience was very international and respectful, cheering for everyone. There are skating fans who bring flags from multiple nations. We’re happy to know the audience doesn’t come just to see one skater, but loves skating. It definitely gives energy.”
Asked about what a fall means for an athlete, Kostner replied, “Falling is part of sport, certainly part of skating, and also part of life. We all know that at the Olympics anything can happen, and sometimes emotion can overwhelm even the best. It’s not so much about falling – we all fall sooner or later. I don’t think there’s an athlete who’s never stumbled. What matters is how you react, how you get up, how you recover. I’m sure that for those who had a difficult moment, nothing can ease the frustration and pain right now. But I’m sure they’ll rise again.”
“Getting up after a fall is very personal. In my case, for example, it happened thanks to the people around me. That day, no one could take away that pain or frustration. But from there, you start to say: ‘I know I can do better.’ Step by step, I know I can find calm, serenity, peace with myself, and realize we’re not all the same, we’re not perfect, and above all, it’s not perfection I want to chase, but excellence – that Olympic value we often talk about. Chasing excellence takes away the pressure. You come to say: ‘This is who I am, with my strengths and weaknesses, but it’s real life, and when I go on the ice, I bring myself.’ You also need the ability to let go at the right moment. Life experience helps. The people around you help. You need to know that a fall doesn’t define your career; in fact, it can help you understand what you want to do more or differently next time.”
Carolina will open the gala featuring the medalists of the Games. “I rehearsed this morning, and while it was still a secret, I didn’t feel the emotion yet. Now I feel a great honor to share the ice with these champions, to open Saturday night’s gala. For me, it’s a huge pride, maybe even a bit of a circle closing. I’m very, very, very excited and I really hope many will come to the forum and watch, especially these magnificent champions.”
Related topics: Carolina Kostner, Ilia Malinin, Olympic Games
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