LONDON, Ontario (AP) — Any other year, Carolina Kostner would come into the world championships as the favorite. She’s the defending champion, and just won her fifth European title.
This is not any year, however. Olympic champion Kim Yu-na is back for the first time since 2011, and Mao Asada is at her best since winning her second title in 2010. The Russians are strong, and U.S. champion Ashley Wagner can’t be counted out.
But that’s OK with Kostner. Dismal performances at the 2009 world championships and Vancouver Olympics taught the Italians that her love of skating, not her spot in the standings, is what matters most.
The world championships begin Wednesday with the men’s and pairs short programs. The women and ice dancers get started Thursday.
