Breathing seems like the simplest thing in the world. It is not if you suffer from a lung disease that limits this natural mechanism and severely affects the life of those affected. In World Day against Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Aipi e Janssen Italy present the awareness campaign “Life in one breath“, Which underlines the importance of making known a rare and difficult to diagnose pathology and which sees the Olympic champion in figure skating as a testimonial Carolina Kostner.
A health project dictated by the need to intervene with effective action, especially in these months of pandemic, where those suffering from rare diseases are even more disadvantaged. Objective: to disseminate information on a little-known pathology, to facilitate early diagnosis, which is essential for blocking the advancement of the disease and guaranteeing a better quality and greater life expectancy for patients who are affected by it. Because only good emotions really deserve to “take your breath away”.
“They didn’t have to convince me to participate in this initiative,” says Carolina in an interview via Zoom. “It was an honor for me to be part of a social campaign with such a high ethical value and to lend my voice to give a little help. The goal is to make people become more aware of the disease and the associated risks. With the life we lead today, sometimes the sense of breathlessness, exhaustion, tiredness – which are the simple symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension – may seem normal, so creating information about it is very important. I myself did not know this disease and only after speaking with the president of the Italian Pulmonary Hypertension Association did I learn about it. I was amazed above all by the fact that it affects not only the person who is subject to it, but also all those around him. And since it mainly concerns women, we all have a duty to support each other ».
An iconic athlete, admired not only for her skill and beauty, but also for her human qualities and her commitment to society, Carolina Kostner has been skating since she was just four years old. Today he is 34 and in the course of his sporting career he won the title of world champion in figure skating (in 2012), as well as two silver and three bronze medals, and one bronze medal at the Sochi Winter Olympics in 2014. Not only that: it was six times European champion, winning two silvers and four bronzes, and nine times Italian champion, winning several other international awards over the years.
In 2018 he had to stop participating in competitions due to a problem in his left hip. An injury that did not allow her to compete in the 2019 World Skating Championships and on which she is still working for recovery.
She was unable to participate in the latest pre-pandemic skating competitions and there were rumors that she was considering retiring. How much is it true?
«In reality, I have never retired: I still feel the ‘spark’ inside and I hope to be able to return to the sports scene soon. Sure, with an injury that keeps me off the slopes for so long, the question and doubt start to creep in, but what I feel like saying is that I don’t find it appropriate to make a decision at a time when I’m physically still bad, for not having any regrets afterwards. I prefer to be patient, follow the rehabilitation plan and when I can get back on track and train, make the right decision and with conviction ».
How long will she have to follow the rehabilitation process?
“Unfortunately, there is no precise timing: everything has slowed down due to the pandemic and in recent months I have not been able to move a little to follow the therapies. The races will resume next autumn and this gives me enough time to recover. After all, sport teaches us precisely tenacity. We are used to having everything at once, but sometimes it is necessary to focus on long-term goals. This break, however, in such a difficult moment, teaches perseverance and not to give up your dreams so quickly ».
During the lockdown and restrictions due to the pandemic, what were the biggest sacrifices?
“The hardest thing is having to sit on the sofa patiently! Facing an injury at the same time, in this pandemic period it has been a double challenge for me to learn to stand still. Then, of course, in difficulty one also becomes creative. I’ve always had a kind of traveling mini-gym that I’ve always taken around the world. I created exercises that I could try at the airport, in a hotel room, in a locker room, when I didn’t have access to the gyms: something I learned to do thanks to all the travels and years in the sport. Then, I also followed many IG and Youtube tips with my friends, we had fun trying different things together and in one way or another I managed to find my balance, feel my body and face the injury trying to find a good balance between rest and training ».
What is the thing that you have missed the most in recent months?
«What is missing a lot is the sociability, the carefree contact with friends, people. A simple hug is what we human beings need, of course thanks to technology everything is possible, but I sincerely hope to be able to return to normal soon and to be able to start training with my colleagues or even just give us an appointment for an aperitif. Those simple things that once you can’t do them anymore you realize how important they are ».
Do you want to go back to racing too?
«The sure thing is that I will return to the ice, it is the modality that is still uncertain. I am convinced that even on the day – I hope very far away – when I retire from competitions, ice skating will still remain in my life, indeed: I will have much more time available to bring this discipline to Italian cities where it has never been seen. Even in areas where there is no ice there are many young fans of this sport who, however, cannot practice ».
One thing that is certain seems to me above all the courage and the desire to face new challenges …
«Skating is my passion, my life, being able to share it with other people, with my country, is my mission. The moment my attention shifts from competing to another similar goal, I will be ready to face the new challenges. The nice thing is that life often surprises you; you come up with ideas, projects, but then you realize that it is better to let yourself be guided by spontaneity, by what life can give you. This is what happened to me: as a child I saw my cousin Isolde skiing, I saw my dad parading in the videos of the Olympics, but who would have thought that my sporting dream would also come true? In fact, I think reality has surpassed all my dreams! Even now I find myself at a point in life where whatever happens, I am not afraid. It is true, the unknown about the future puts some uncertainty but it is something that happens to everyone, what matters is to keep the vision on the bigger picture, to do what is possible in our small way and then be surprised by life! There are many projects and ideas, what is most important to me now is to get back in shape and heal, to keep the pain under control. And when all the doors are open, make decisions ».
Many young girls who follow her on Instagram see her as a sports model and an example of great tenacity and optimism. What is the strength that has always supported you and which suggests you “train”?
“The fact of never giving up on one’s dreams. To never see oneself alone within one’s limits, but to have the courage to go further and test oneself without fear of making mistakes. Often it is this fear that blocks us and makes ourselves the greatest adversary. Then you must never forget your roots, where you started from, and never lose yourself along the way. Sometimes, when you pursue a dream, a passion, you work so hard that you forget the care of yourself and instead it is essential to allow yourself a few moments of pampering, of self care. Finally, I suggest not to be too influenced by what happens in the social world. It is true, it is a great source of inspiration, but you must always have a clear vision, apply “a filter” to things, otherwise you risk always seeing a greener lawn on the other side, when ours too, in fact , it is”.
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