The Mash Telegram channel reported that Olympic ice dancing champion Roman Kostomarov, who partnered with Tatyana Navka, remains under strict supervision by doctors in intensive care. The updates describe ongoing sepsis, with tissue death in the limbs and a limited level of consciousness that has not fully returned. He responds to simple commands such as opening the mouth or blinking, but these actions are intermittent and challenging for him. Medical staff have indicated that direct, full contact with the skater has not been possible.
Doctors have not ruled out the possibility of further amputation to halt the spreading infection. The medical team believes that removing affected tissue is necessary to control the condition.
In early March, there were reports of slight improvements in Kostomarov’s condition. Acknowledging the slow healing process, sources noted that he was beginning to show signs of movement, though progress took time and patience.
According to Sport-Express, Kostomarov’s wife, Oksana Domnina, remains by his side, closely watching medical procedures and seeking explanations from doctors about medications. She speaks to him softly, reads to him, and reassures him as he rests, hoping for continued improvement.
SE highlighted that the skater’s psychological state is fragile; he struggles to understand his surroundings and is unhappy about his hospitalization. Plans for psychological support are being discussed to help him cope with the experience.
Reports also indicated that Kostomarov’s left hand began to show a blue tint, which raised concerns about potential sepsis among the medical team.
Well-known coach and choreographer Ilya Averbukh noted that many media reports surrounding Kostomarov have been inaccurate. He urged restraint and emphasized the need for accurate information released only by medical professionals, Kostomarov’s immediate family, and those directly involved in his care.
In a public appeal, Averbukh urged journalists and bloggers to refrain from spreading rumors and sensational posts that could affect the athlete’s family. He underscored the seriousness of the illness and stressed that only the doctors, Kostomarov’s parents, his wife, and a select few close to the situation have reliable insight. The message urged empathy through quiet support, such as lighting a candle for his wellbeing.
Lev Averbakh of the Petersburg private ambulance Koris cautioned that Kostomarov’s chances of recovery remain uncertain. He remarked that, based on available information, survival is not guaranteed, but he encouraged hope for the best possible outcome. The body is under continuous stress, and even waking or reacting to stimuli does not guarantee a favorable trajectory. The situation remains precarious, with lingering concerns about the risk of lasting disability and the potential need for additional procedures.
Kostomarov has been hospitalized for two months. The initial reports of his admission surfaced on January 10, when his condition was described as severe due to bilateral pneumonia. He was placed in an artificial coma and connected to a ventilator, with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) used to improve blood oxygenation. This aggressive treatment contributed to vascular damage and tissue death, leading medical teams to perform amputations of the feet and fingers. Following these procedures, the skater experienced a cerebral hemorrhage and two minor strokes, after which doctors placed him in a medically induced coma for his safety and recovery. This sequence of events highlights the severity of the medical challenges faced and the complexity of the care required to support his body through this critical period.