Betina Popova, a respected Russian figure skater and coach, urged the public to respect the privacy of Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov and his family while he remains hospitalized. Popova emphasized the importance of compassion and supported the family’s wish for space during his recovery, as reported by Sports Express.
Early reports circulated on the Telegram channel 112 and then through other outlets, describing the athlete’s health in troubling terms. One claim stated that Kostomarov had undergone amputation, while another report from TASS suggested amputations of both feet. In the ensuing days, commentators urged caution about the evolving medical situation and highlighted the need to rely on official medical briefings rather than sensationalized rumors.
Popova underscored the need to focus on Kostomarov’s health and recovery rather than speculation about his condition or future participation in competitions. She remarked that the priority should be his well-being and that any discussion about his skating career should wait until there is clear medical guidance. The message resonated with fans and colleagues who urged restraint and empathy for the athlete and his family.
On January 10, it was publicly announced that Kostomarov had been admitted to hospital due to pneumonia and required intensive care, with information indicating he was reliant on artificial lung support. His condition was described as extremely serious at that time, prompting attention from the sports community and the public alike. Subsequently, he was transferred to a specialized hospital in Kommunarka for further treatment. Medical teams performed resuscitation and managed life-support equipment as part of his care plan, and by January 24, there were reports that the ECMO support had been discontinued, though ongoing concerns about circulation and overall stability persisted.
Prior to his hospitalization, Kostomarov had active involvement in ice shows, performing with Ilya Averbukh in late December and early January. He appeared in the show The Wizard of Oz and later joined an open-air rink event in Kolomna as part of a regional project titled Winter. These performances reflected his continued engagement with the sport and public appearances during the winter season and before the health crisis intensified.
The discussion around Kostomarov’s medical course included varied expert commentary. One clinician, Zukhra Pavlova, a former endocrinologist and anesthesiologist-resuscitator, offered a perspective on the complex decisions faced by his medical team, including potential surgical considerations tied to his overall condition. The remarks highlighted the challenging medical judgments that accompany critical illness and advanced life-support scenarios, while reinforcing that any such decisions must be grounded in the patient’s best interests and the advice of treating physicians.