icenetwork.com

It appears Carolina Kostner will not compete in this fall's Grand Prix Series. (Getty Images)

By icenetwork.com

(08/02/2012) - Carolina Kostner's name was scratched Thursday from the entry lists for the Cup of China and Trophée Eric Bompard, the two Grand Prix events in which she was scheduled to compete this fall.

No formal announcement has been made by Kostner, her coach, Michael Huth, or the Italian Federation of Ice Sports regarding her withdrawal from these competitions.

When reached for comment Thursday, an International Skating Union official said Kostner's federation asked for her name to be scratched from her Grand Prix events. No reason was given.

On Friday morning, Raul Leoni, the press chief for Kostner's club, Fiamme Azzurre Sporting Club, wrote in an email: "Our policy always was and is to respect all Carolina's decisions about her career, in any way."

"Also on this occasion, we'll stay on the same position: of course, we hope that Carolina will compete during the season at her best standard. And, obviously, that she will be ready for Sochi 2014 Olympics."

Kostner told the Italian sports magazine Gente in early July that was considering retiring from the sport, citing a desire to "resume my [normal] life."

A few days later, she posted a message on her official website proclaiming her desire to continue competing through the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.

Kostner is coming off a season in which she won gold at the Grand Prix Final, European championships and world championships.

More on this story as it develops.