Alla Mikheeva, a well-known Russian actress and TV host, shared her thoughts on social media in response to the first public message from Olympic ice dance champion Roman Kostomarov since his hospitalization. The post by Mikheeva greeted Kostomarov with warmth and highlighted the deep bond within their circle, underscoring how much they all value his presence both on and off the ice.
Earlier, Kostomarov had posted on social media for the first time in a long period, expressing gratitude for the support received during his long recovery from a serious illness. The message conveyed a note of resilience and appreciation, offering encouragement to fans and teammates alike as they followed his journey back to health.
In Mikheeva’s words, he was addressed as: “Romka! We all love you so much! Our irreplaceable tiger!” The phrase reflected the affection and admiration that Kostomarov inspires in friends, colleagues, and supporters who have watched his career with steady pride.
Medical officials announced on January 10 that Kostomarov had been hospitalized and transported to intensive care because of pneumonia. He was described as being in a critical state and was connected to artificial lung ventilation at that time. The situation prompted a careful, ongoing medical assessment by the attending physicians, who monitored his vital functions and response to treatment while ensuring the highest possible level of care.
Subsequently, Kostomarov was moved to a hospital in Kommunarka. There, he underwent resuscitation and was placed on ECMO support, a life-sustaining procedure used in severe respiratory or cardiac failure. Reports at the time indicated that the medical team was addressing severe complications arising from the illness, and that the care plan included close collaboration across specialists to stabilize his condition and prevent further deterioration.
Media outlets later reported that Kostomarov underwent several operations related to limb amputations as part of the care process following the disease’s complications. These reports, which circulated amid ongoing updates, emphasized the gravity of his medical situation and the complexity of the procedures involved. The focus for the medical team remained on stabilizing his condition and preparing for the next steps in rehabilitation, including considerations for prosthetic guidance as his recovery progressed.
As Kostomarov’s condition continued to evolve, officials and medical professionals provided ongoing updates about his progress and the broader implications for his athletic career. In recent commentary from former Russian coach Alexander Zhulin, attention was drawn to Kostomarov’s resilience and the emotional impact of such a setback on teammates, supporters, and the sport’s community. Zhulin’s remarks highlighted the importance of patience, steady rehabilitation, and the collective support that sustains athletes through profound health challenges.