MILAN, Jan ‌12 (Reuters) - Former Italian figure skater Carolina Kostner will bring her Olympic journey full circle at the ‌2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, two decades after carrying the flag for Italy as a ‌19-year-old prospect in Turin.

Kostner will not return to the ice as a competitor but will relive the thrill of a home Olympics as assistant to Japanese skater Yuma Kagiyama, advising on artistic and choreographic elements – the hallmarks of her own performances during a decorated career.