Renowned Soviet coach Tatyana Tarasova shared her thoughts on a possible future return for Roman Kostomarov to professional ice performance. “Soviet sport.” Tarasova suggested that Kostomarov could appear in a full-fledged ice show someday. He is described as someone for whom what he envisions can become reality, she noted.
In early January 2023, Kostomarov was hospitalized after a New Year’s open-air performance. He was admitted to intensive care suffering from pneumonia and placed on artificial respiration, with medical staff assessing his condition as extraordinarily serious.
The athlete was transported to a hospital in Kommunarka, where he underwent resuscitation and was connected to an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) device to support oxygenation. He remained on a ventilator for an extended period as his treatment continued.
Complications from the illness led to the development of gangrene, prompting doctors to perform a series of amputations: Kostomarov lost both legs, the hand of one arm, and fingers on the other hand. He was discharged on July 6 from the Kommunarka hospital after spending 175 days there.
Earlier reports contained inaccuracies surrounding Kostomarov’s condition and treatment. The ongoing situation drew wide attention and prompted discussion about his recovery prospects and potential future involvement in skating and related performances, as reflected in contemporary sports coverage.