Choreographer Highlights Kostomarov Courage Amid Recovery
Alexei Zheleznyakov, a longtime choreographer with the Eteri Tutberidze group, spoke about Roman Kostomarov’s courage as the skater continues to recover from a serious illness. He conveyed his reflections through Match TV, emphasizing the depth of Kostomarov’s resilience and the example it sets for athletes everywhere.
For any athlete, and especially someone who excels across disciplines like figure skating and ballet, facing a life-changing setback can be overwhelming. Zheleznyakov underscored that Kostomarov’s endurance offers a powerful reminder that personal difficulties often pale in comparison to the strength of the human spirit. He expressed a willingness to acknowledge Kostomarov’s fortitude openly, noting that the public display of courage helps others put their own challenges into perspective and move forward with renewed determination.
As Kostomarov’s journey unfolds, the choreographer described a narrative of perseverance that resonates beyond the ice. The experience has fashioned a testament to the belief that with steady effort, obstacles can be met and surpassed. The central message, according to Zheleznyakov, is that progress is possible as long as an individual chooses to keep pushing ahead, even in the face of adversity.
Since early January, Kostomarov has remained in hospital following appearances at an outdoor event held around the New Year. Reports indicated that he was placed in intensive care due to pneumonia and required support from mechanical ventilation. The severity of his condition was described as critically serious, prompting a commitment from medical teams to provide comprehensive care aimed at stabilizing his health and supporting recovery.
The patient was later moved to Kommunarka hospital where he underwent advanced resuscitation measures and was connected to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation equipment, commonly known as ECMO. This intervention is used to support heart and lung function when a patient’s own organs are unable to maintain adequate circulation and oxygenation, reflecting the seriousness of Kostomarov’s situation and the level of medical attention he received during treatment.
On February 7, reports from TASS indicated that both legs were amputated as part of the medical response to Kostomarov’s condition. Subsequent updates mentioned additional finger amputations, underscoring the extent of the health challenges faced. By June 26, Kostomarov shared a video featuring his prosthetic devices, signaling steps toward adaptation and ongoing recovery, and offering a tangible sign of progress to supporters and observers.
Earlier communications suggested Kostomarov was not yet ready to be discharged from hospital, with medical teams continuing to monitor his status and coordinate care aimed at facilitating a gradual return to daily life. The ongoing situation has drawn widespread attention, illustrating how one athlete’s battle can become a focal point for discussions about resilience, medical technology, and the life changes that follow serious illness.