Natalya Bestemyanova, the 1988 Olympic champion in ice dancing, offered reflections on Roman Kostomarov’s appearance in Ilya Averbukh’s ice show, sharing perspectives that were carried by TASS. The veteran skater emphasized a measured approach to Kostomarov’s post‑convalescence schedule and the broader purpose behind such performances.
According to Bestemyanova, stepping onto the ice in these shows presents Kostomarov with an important cadence of movement. It helps him regain the sensation of skating, rebuild rhythm, and reintroduce himself to the sport after a period of recuperation. She framed the decision as a joint aim held by the athlete and the show organizers: to facilitate a gradual, controlled return to the ice that respects his recovery timeline while offering a stage for endurance and artistry to coexist.
Bestemyanova noted that the arrangement affords Kostomarov a meaningful outlet in a challenging moment of his life. The opportunity to participate in performances is seen not merely as a public appearance but as a personal milestone, a chance to realize oneself under the pressures and expectations of professional showmanship. The sentiment captures both pride and relief that Kostomarov can engage in the sport he loves in a new, non-competitive context.
On August 22, Kostomarov, accompanied by his wife Oksana, joined the ice show Love Letters by Ilya Averbukh in Sochi. The event highlighted the couple’s involvement in a program that blends storytelling with dynamic skating, underscoring the resilience of athletes who continue to pursue their craft even after major health challenges. The performance symbolized a return to the public arena in a setting that prioritizes performance quality, communal support, and artistic expression on ice.
Earlier in January 2022, Kostomarov faced a grave health crisis following New Year’s performances at an outdoor show. Reports described a condition severe enough to necessitate intensive care, with pneumonia complicating the course and artificial pulmonary support required. The medical updates reflected a critical period, drawing attention to the fragility and gravity of the situation faced by a high‑profile athlete under intensive treatment circumstances.
During treatment, medical teams undertook a difficult decision related to limb preservation and function, with amputation procedures undertaken to manage the risk to life and to stabilize overall health. The complexity of the medical intervention and the subsequent rehabilitation phase underscored the arduous journey from crisis to recovery, a path that many elite athletes navigate when confronting life‑changing health events.
In the following months, reports circulated about Kostomarov’s ongoing engagement with performances in Sochi, suggesting a plan to continue appearing on stage through the autumn. Those close to his circle framed such appearances as part of a broader strategy to maintain emotional and professional involvement with the sport, while balancing health realities with personal aspirations, the demands of public appearances, and the support system surrounding him. The emphasis remained on gradual progress, sustained medical oversight, and the importance of ensuring that any performance commitments align with his evolving recovery process.