Oksana Domnina, wife of Olympic medalist and Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov, spoke in a First Channel interview about the long road her husband faced after his amputation surgeries. She described the wrenching process of acceptance, not only of the new physical reality but of the altered rhythm of their shared life. The couple, and the circle around them, faced a period of testing and adjustment, yet the family reinforced the belief that a kind of happiness still existed in the possibility of rebuilding their life together.
Domnina said that while Kostomarov has not fully embraced the changes or the weight of the situation, he is actively trying to move forward with his past life in view. The family notes that his inner spirit remains intact, which serves as a source of strength for those who care about him. His support network, including his mother and brother, anticipated the challenges and stood with him through the toughest moments, sharing in the emotional burden and the practical decisions that came with the diagnosis and treatment. This shared experience helped anchor the family during a time of uncertainty and fear, and it underscored the importance of staying connected to loved ones during recovery.
On December 17, Kostomarov reappeared on the ice during Ilya Averbukh’s show Together and Forever, joining his wife during her exhibition with Maxim Shabalin. He skated at the end, delivering a poignant cameo that recalled the free program Carmen, the same performance he and his former partner Tatyana Navka made famous when they won the 2006 Olympic title in Turin. The moment was widely interpreted as a sign of resilience and a desire to reclaim a sense of normalcy through a shared passion for skating, even as the physical landscape of his body had changed.
Earlier, at the start of January 2023, Kostomarov faced a severe health crisis following the New Year’s outdoor performances. He was hospitalized with pneumonia, placed on a ventilator, and assessed as being in critical condition. He was transferred to a specialized facility in Kommunarka, where intensive care measures included resuscitation and the use of an artificial blood oxygen saturation device (ECMO). He remained reliant on a ventilator for a prolonged period, during which every effort focused on stabilizing his condition and supporting his body through a grueling recovery process. A complicated course followed, with doctors addressing a cascade of health issues that emerged in the wake of the illness.
The complications eventually led to the development of gangrene, necessitating multiple amputations. The skater lost both legs, the hand of one arm, and several fingers on the other hand. On July 6, Kostomarov was discharged from the Kommunarka hospital after an extended stay of 175 days, a milestone that marked the end of an intense period of medical care and a new chapter in his rehabilitation. The medical team and his family continued to monitor his progress closely, focusing on physical therapy, adaptive sports possibilities, and the emotional adjustment required to live with profound changes in mobility and daily life.
In the wake of these events, Kostomarov has spoken about the emotional milestones that followed his performances in skating shows after amputation. He described the range of feelings—from gratitude for the support of fans and loved ones to the impatience for a future that would feel like his own again. The broader public response, including messages of encouragement and admiration for his perseverance, underscored the resilience that many athletes and their families demonstrate when confronted with life altering circumstances. The path forward remains guided by medical advice, personal determination, and the unwavering presence of a partner who has stood beside him through every long day and tough decision. The story continues to unfold, inviting reflection on the strength it takes to redefine a career, a family routine, and a public identity after such a drastic turn of events. [citation needed]