Bronze is as Good as Gold for Olympic Ice Skater Carolina Kostner

Last updated on: December 23, 2014 at 7:38 pm by Tony Rossi

Bronze is as Good as Gold for Olympic Ice Skater Carolina Kostner 2014-12-23T19:38:28-05:00 Tony Rossi

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

When an ice skater falls down three times during an Olympic performance with the world watching, it can feel almost impossible to move forward with any vision for a brighter future in the sport. That was certainly the case for Italy’s Carolina Kostner after the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. In addition, she had skated poorly four years earlier during the Turin games, which took place on her home soil.

Kostner was considered a bright young talent who would take the skating world by storm and give Italians their best chance ever of winning an ice skating medal. But high expectations have been the downfall of many a man and woman because the pressure can be too much to bear. Other people get in your head and tell you what you’re supposed to be, thereby blocking out what your heart and soul are telling you. That’s what happened with Kostner.

Until last night.

Kostner had planned on retiring for good after the Vancouver Olympics, deciding she needed time with family and friends away from the constant pressure of competition. That time gave her new perspective on her ice skating career.

She told the Chicago Tribune, ““I think everybody has ups and downs in their lives. We learn from the biggest disappointments, right? You learn how to be humble to yourself and to be humble to others. You learn to respect and learn the value of a medal much more…It was really hard times. So I told myself, no results any more, just skating. And that’s what I started skating for, right? Not to be known or anything.”

Kostner, now age 27 with a maturity born of failure, entered the Sochi Olympics focused on her love of skating and the artistry involved, not thinking about medals.

Ironically, this is the year she finally won a medal. After the beautiful artistry she exhibited during her short program skate to “Ave Maria” and last night’s free skate to “Bolero,” Kostner earned her best score of her season, along with a bronze medal that made her the first Italian ever to win an Olympic figure skating singles medal.

Kostner told ESPN, “This medal is absolutely worth gold. I will cherish it in my heart. It feels so great that patience and sacrifice and hard work and faith are paid at the end.”

Previous Post

February 20, 2014

A New Musical About Bernadette of Lourdes

Next Post

February 24, 2014 Harry Connick Jr. Kicks Into 'Dad Mode' Again After Contestant's Sexually Suggestive Song

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Act One American Idol Andy Griffith Show Audrey Assad Baseball Bible Books Catholic Charities Christmas Christopher Awards Christopher Closeup Christopher News Notes Current Events Down syndrome Education Father Jonathan Morris Father Keller Films Forgiveness Fringe Government Hallmark History Holidays Humor Inspiration Leadership Lost Marriage Media Medical Military Movies Music NY Med Once Upon a Time Once Upon a Time Parenting Patheos Movie Club Person of Interest Politics Pope Francis Prayer Pro Life Saints Senior Citizens Signed Sealed Delivered Special Needs Sports Three Minutes a Day TV Uncategorized Volunteering Women Youth

Select a Month March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What does "Jesus" name mean?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Savior God saves Anointed one Messiah