Olympic silver medalist, renowned choreographer, and producer of ice shows, Ilya Averbukh, spoke about the first message sent by 2006 ice dancing Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov after his hospitalization for a serious illness. The exchange underscores how personal bonds in elite sport can endure through hardship, even when public attention is intense and ongoing.
Publicly, Roma is reported to be in touch now, but Averbukh emphasized that their ongoing communication has been steady for an extended period. He noted that they had been exchanging texts for two months, reflecting a sustained line of support that has helped both men navigate the challenge ahead. The bond between the two skaters, forged through years of competition and collaboration, remains a source of resilience as Kostomarov faces a difficult recovery path.
Averbukh spoke about the long road ahead, framing it as a journey shared with Kostomarov. He described a future in which the two continue to walk through life side by side, even as the present moment demands patience and perseverance. Positive signs have emerged in recent weeks, he indicated, signaling a gradual restoration of momentum in Kostomarov’s condition and in the broader recovery process associated with major medical events in elite sport.
Earlier reports confirmed that Kostomarov was hospitalized in early January, with initial news stating that he had been admitted to intensive care due to pneumonia and required artificial lung ventilation. At the time, sources described his condition as extremely serious, prompting concern across the athletics community and among fans worldwide who followed his career with admiration.
Subsequent updates indicated a transfer to Kommunarka hospital, where Kostomarov underwent resuscitation and was connected to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Media outlets reported that medical teams performed several procedures to address the life-threatening complications arising from the illness, including limb-threatening interventions. While these reports generated speculation, the core message remained clear: Kostomarov’s life was being preserved through advanced critical care, and the recovery process would be complex and extended.
In a broader conversation about sport and international competition, Averbukh, who built his reputation as a producer and organizer with Ice Age productions, spoke on the evolving landscape of watching major events. In a discussion with socialbites.ca, he reflected on the challenges of following international tournaments without certain national participants, highlighting perspectives from figure skating and other sports. The remarks touched on how audiences engage with sport when geopolitical or logistical factors influence who can compete, and they pointed to a nuanced debate about representation, access, and global participation in elite athletics. The dialogue underscores the interconnected nature of sport, fandom, and the realities that athletes and organizers navigate on the world stage. (Source: Socialbites.ca)