The hospitalized figure skater Roman Kostomarov is focusing on rehabilitation as prosthetic plans move forward. According to a reliable source, the athlete remains in a positive mood and is undergoing recovery after preparing for prosthetic surgery.
He is described as being in good spirits. Rehab is set to begin once all preparatory steps for the prosthesis are completed, with an anticipated start window of two to three weeks, the source indicated.
How long Kostomarov will remain in the hospital remains unclear. A rehabilitation specialist noted that adjusting to prosthetic devices will be a lengthy process, even under optimal circumstances.
Over time, Kostomarov will adapt to new prostheses and gradually switch to devices that better fit his lifestyle. This evolution will involve extensive collaboration with prosthetists, the specialist added.
At present, the priority is to eliminate the lingering consequences of infections in the body before progressing further with prosthetic integration.
The path ahead includes transitioning from a simple mechanical prosthesis to a more advanced bionic device. It represents a long journey, but modern technology makes it possible to pursue activities such as running, jumping, and gliding as rehabilitation advances progresses, according to the medical professional cited.
It became public on January 10 that Kostomarov had been hospitalized. The skater faced severe pneumonia and received ECMO treatment while remaining on a ventilator for an extended period. On May 8, he reconnected with supporters by sharing an update on social media.
During his hospital stay, Kostomarov has drawn messages of support from friends and fans. In recognition of Russia Day, his wife, Tatiana Navka, who previously shared Olympic gold with him in Turin, posted a photo of Kostomarov receiving his medals. Kostomarov has indicated that he maintains contact with Navka and that he celebrated his birthday in April.
However, some observers remain skeptical about Kostomarov’s condition. Paralympic and wheelchair fencing world champion Roman Fedyaev expressed limited sympathy, suggesting Kostomarov may have contributed to the severity of his illness by swimming in cold water prior to his hospitalization. Fedyaev noted that the initial reports about icy-water immersion were not confirmed and were later denied. He warned that the first two to three years will pose significant challenges for Kostomarov.
Fedyaev recalled his own experience with prostheses, explaining that he has used them for a decade and has seen many athletes adapt to life with prosthetics. He emphasized the value of patience and persistence, noting that prosthetics can significantly improve daily life compared with crutches. He also described ongoing work with military medical researchers and outreach to veterans returning from conflict, offering guidance on walking again and choosing the right prosthetics. He underscored that the early years of adaptation can be difficult, but the long-term benefits are substantial for those who persevere.