The news surrounding Olympic figure skater Roman Kostomarov has been evolving since reports emerged from Moscow and Russian news outlets. Initial updates from a Telegram channel named 112 suggested that only the left leg required amputation, but subsequent coverage from state news agencies indicated that both feet were amputated. This sequence of statements highlights the rapid shifts in early reporting as doctors evaluated Kostomarov’s condition and the extent of tissue damage in the critical illness he faced.
Medical professionals explained that the decision for limb removal can be driven by a severe infection and widespread tissue death. In cases of sepsis, toxins can circulate through the body, increasing the risk of organ failure. Amputation is sometimes considered a life-saving measure to stop the progression of necrosis and toxin release, ensuring the patient has the best possible chance of recovery. Doctors emphasise that such interventions are not taken lightly and are undertaken only when there is clear medical necessity to prevent further systemic deterioration.
On January 10, Kostomarov was hospitalized after falling seriously ill. Reports indicated that he was admitted to intensive care due to pneumonia and required mechanical ventilation. His condition was described as extremely serious, prompting medical teams to provide advanced respiratory and circulatory support as part of the critical care plan.
Later, the athlete was transferred to Kommunarka Hospital, where clinicians performed resuscitation measures and, when necessary, incorporated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support his heart and lungs. By January 24, he was weaned off ECMO, though ongoing challenges with blood circulation and organ function continued to be monitored by the ICU team. The path of treatment reflected a careful balance between stabilising the patient and addressing the underlying infection and inflammatory response.
Before his hospitalization, Kostomarov remained active in public appearances associated with ice shows. He participated in performances organized by Ilya Averbukh, including a December 29 to January 7 engagement in a show titled The Wizard of Oz. He also joined a public skating initiative on an outdoor rink in Kolomna as part of the Moscow Region project Winter. These appearances underscored Kostomarov’s ongoing involvement in the sport and public life prior to the health crisis.
There was also public commentary regarding communications with Kostomarov’s family. Svetlana Zhurova, a former Olympic champion and State Duma deputy, mentioned attempting to reach his wife, Oksana Domnina. According to Zhurova, Domnina did not respond to inquiries about Kostomarov’s condition. While these personal notes shed light on the emotional landscape surrounding the event, medical updates remained the core reference for understanding Kostomarov’s health trajectory and prognosis. The situation illustrates how athletes, families, and public figures navigate a moment of intense media scrutiny during a severe health emergency. (Source attributions: TASS, other regional outlets, and public statements from medical authorities reported in the press.)