Oksana Domnina, wife of the 2006 Olympic ice dance champion Roman Kostomarov, shared a frank update after his hospitalization. Speaking to Match TV, she described how their lives were divided into the time before and after the illness, and she emphasized that a future path remains possible. She urged optimism and resilience, noting that it is in their hands to help Kostomarov feel beautiful and happy again.
Domnina acknowledged the immense challenge ahead. She said that no one, not even she, can fully grasp what Kostomarov is experiencing. She asked people to imagine what those facing serious health issues endure and to stay hopeful, encouraging belief and perseverance in every difficult moment.
The health crisis unfolded at the start of January 2023, when Kostomarov was hospitalized and placed in intensive care with pneumonia. He required a ventilator, and medical teams transported him to a hospital in Kommunarka. There he received advanced support, including an artificial blood oxygen saturation device (ECMO), and remained on ventilation for an extended period. As part of the medical process, clinicians performed amputations of parts of his arms and legs to save his life and manage the underlying complications.
On December 17, Kostomarov briefly returned to the ice, skating for Ilya Averbukh’s show “Together and Forever,” marking a significant moment in his journey back to performance and public life.
Earlier, Kostomarov had spoken about the emotional impact of returning to the rink, including the tears he shed during that first phase back on ice after the health crisis. The family has continued to advocate for his recovery and for the support of fans and the broader skating community as they navigate the long road ahead [citation].