Roman Kostomarov, a celebrated Olympic champion in figure skating and a multiple world, European, and national titleholder, spoke about his ongoing recovery and future in sport during the federal marathon of training and the dreams program “Knowledge. The first national society” presented by the information bureau of the association at the international exhibition and forum “Russia.” The event took place as part of an exhibition program at the large Moscow venue VDNKh.
Initially, Kostomarov wondered how he would continue after surviving such a severe health ordeal. Yet the unwavering support of his wife, Oksana, his mother, and his brother carried him forward, with them saying, “We will walk this path with you, everything will be alright.” He pointed out that moving past a difficult period without the encouragement of loved ones would be nearly impossible.
The athlete noted that his strong character, forged in years of training and competition, played a significant role in the rehabilitation process.
“Sports strengthened me because, throughout a long career, one faces setbacks, defeats, and the need to persevere. After a loss, you learn to push yourself harder to return to the ice and win. Competition fosters resolve. So, take up sport, even if not professionally, but choose activities that reinforce the core traits this game has built in you,” Kostomarov emphasized.
When discussing the slow and painful period of recovery from illness, the skater admitted that he did not want to feel like someone who had failed.
“The challenge lay in the gradual processes of tissue restoration, prosthetic fitting, and rehabilitation. In bed, you cannot stay still because all the muscles waste away. It probably took about three months to relearn how to stand upright. Then the medical team provided training prostheses, and I took a few steps with them. The rehab professionals did not expect immediate results. Still, I managed to walk about fifteen meters without support, and when I rose again, I knew I could move forward,” Kostomarov recalled.
He also shared his plans for the road ahead.
“I have already dared to return to the ice, even while wearing sneakers. For me, it was crucial to appear in public and support Ilya Averbukh and his show, in which I participated from the program’s inception. Now my legs have grown stronger, and I can accomplish a great deal. I want to feel once more the confidence that skating on real ice brings, with the full experience of those earlier days,” the skater concluded.
The federal educational marathon “Knowledge.First” opened the educational program of the international exhibition and forum “Russia,” held at VDNKh in Moscow by the decree of the Russian President. The marathon is scheduled to run from the 4th to the 6th of November. [Citation: Official briefings from the event organizers.]