Sports physician Alexander Yablunovsky explained how age can influence the severity of illnesses in elite athletes, referencing the case of skater Roman Kostomarov who was urgently hospitalized for pneumonia on January 10 and later faced sepsis, gangrene, and the loss of a limb. These remarks came during a discussion with KP Sports, emphasizing practical health insights for active adults in North America today.
At 46, Yablunovsky notes, critical stress can push the body into a vulnerable state. He observes that many patients start presenting more serious health issues as they approach the mid to late 40s, with a sharper risk trajectory around ages 50 to 55, even for those who previously felt well and appeared physically fit. This pattern is often a wake-up call about how aging alters resilience and disease progression in high-performing individuals.
The doctor described the emergence of metabolic syndrome as a common challenge in this age range. Characteristics include elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and increased waistline measurements. Even athletes who maintain high levels of fitness can develop this cluster of risk factors if preventive care dims or ignored signs of trouble go unaddressed. The message is clear for people who push their bodies hard: peak condition does not guarantee immunity against complex metabolic problems.
Preventive focus is essential, the expert argues. Aging athletes may attempt self-directed recovery strategies when subtle health signals appear, hoping a quick fix or temporary boost will suffice. Activities like cold-water or winter swimming might be pursued as a form of recovery, yet if underlying health problems are already present, such measures offer little real compensation. In these situations, the immune system can weaken, leaving the body more susceptible to infections and slower recovery. The takeaway is that proactive medical evaluation and sustained management are crucial to maintaining health while continuing to train and compete at high levels.
Earlier explanations about Kostomarov’s serious illness were provided by the same sports medicine professional, who highlighted how seemingly minor issues can escalate in athletes when risk factors are not adequately addressed. In North American practice, this underscores the importance of routine health screenings for midlife athletes, a broader awareness that supports long-term performance and quality of life. Clinicians emphasize that early identification of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk enables interventions that can reduce the likelihood of severe complications while preserving athletic potential. The central message remains: aging athletes should prioritize comprehensive medical oversight, balanced nutrition, disciplined training, and attentive recovery to mitigate these risks and sustain peak performance over time.
In contemporary sports medicine, doctors advocate a holistic approach to health that combines regular medical checkups, careful monitoring of blood pressure and lipid profiles, and personalized training plans. For athletes in Canada and the United States, this means working with clinicians who understand the unique stressors of professional or intense amateur sports and who can tailor recommendations to the individual. The objective is not to discourage ambition but to build a sustainable path that supports longevity in sport while safeguarding overall well-being. By recognizing age-related changes and addressing metabolic risk factors early, athletes can reduce the odds of drastic health events and continue to pursue their goals with confidence.