The choreographer and producer behind the show Ice Age, Ilya Averbukh, spoke about the difficult and costly rehabilitation faced by the figure skater Roman Kostomarov.
At the moment, Kostomarov remains in hospital care. The medical team is providing everything needed for his treatment, and his supporters insist that the road ahead will require substantial rehabilitation. As a group and as part of a close knit ice sports family, they are prepared to offer help whenever possible.
Averbukh stressed that there is no separate fund or account being opened for public contributions. Instead, the appeal calls on fans and colleagues to offer moral support to Kostomarov, letting him know the country is keeping him in its thoughts and wishing him strength as he faces recovery across the coming months.
According to reports from TASS on February 7, Kostomarov underwent the amputation of both legs. He remains conscious but is currently in intensive care under the vigilant supervision of medical staff. Ivan Skobrev later noted that the athlete had limited ability to speak at that time.
Earlier, on January 10, Kostomarov was admitted to hospital. He was placed in intensive care due to pneumonia and required artificial lung ventilation. At that stage his condition was described as extremely serious, prompting urgent medical intervention.
Subsequently, Kostomarov was moved to a hospital in Kommunarka. Medical teams performed resuscitation and connected him to ECMO to support heart and lung function. By January 24, he had been disconnected from the ECMO apparatus as his condition stabilized and improved with ongoing care.
There was also public discussion about the emotional strain Kostomarov faced after the amputation, with health workers and supporters commenting on the skater’s resilience during a profoundly challenging period.
As the situation evolved, medical experts emphasized the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation that goes beyond the immediate hospital stay. Recovery for Kostomarov is likely to involve physical therapy, adaptive strategies, and long-term care aimed at maximizing mobility and quality of life. The broader ice sports community has repeatedly expressed its willingness to stand with Kostomarov, recognizing that sports figures can endure extraordinary trials and still inspire others with their determination.
In Canada and the United States, fans and sports professionals alike understand that recovery from severe injuries or life-saving interventions often requires an extended process. Clinics and rehabilitation centers emphasize a multidisciplinary approach, combining physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychosocial support to help athletes regain function and confidence. Kostomarov’s experience underscores the need for consistent, compassionate care and a supportive community that travels with a person through every stage of healing.
Throughout this period, the show’s leadership and cast have mirrored this spirit, prioritizing the well-being of Kostomarov while continuing to honor the dedication that defines the ice sports family. The message from Ilya Averbukh and his colleagues remains clear: public morale matters, and a sense of collective care can play a meaningful role in the healing journey, even as concrete resources are organized through proper channels to assist Kostomarov’s road to recovery.