Oksana Domnina shares a family’s steadfast support during Kostomarov’s battle with illness
Oksana Domnina, wife of 2006 Olympic ice dancing champion Roman Kostomarov, spoke about the years of illness and recovery in a candid interview for Sports Express. She described a team approach to their family’s hardship, emphasizing that the strongest support came from Kostomarov’s brother, known to the family as the Romani brother, and that their household stayed united through the most trying times. The conversation highlighted how relatives rallied together, offering emotional and practical backing as the situation unfolded.
In January 2023, Kostomarov’s health dramatically deteriorated after a New Year’s performance at an open-air event. The athlete was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia and required artificial respiration. His doctors determined that his condition was extremely serious. The medical team acted swiftly, moving him to a hospital where life-sustaining measures were available, including advanced respiratory support. The period of treatment was intense and prolonged as clinicians monitored oxygenation and organ function, while his family waited for signs of improvement.
During his stay at a specialized facility, Kostomarov faced a series of complications linked to the illness. He underwent multiple procedures, including surgeries to address tissue damage. The medical team faced the difficult task of managing severe infections and compromised blood flow, which ultimately led to the loss of both legs, the hand on one side, and several fingers on the other hand. This cascade of events marked a profound turning point in his career and personal life, requiring extensive rehabilitation and adaptation to new physical realities. The illness and its consequences necessitated a long hospitalization, and the athlete completed a lengthy course of care before eventually being discharged from the medical center after a total stay that spanned many months, a period that tested the resilience of Kostomarov’s family and support network.
Prior to the discharge, Kostomarov himself acknowledged how his family’s humor and resilience helped keep spirits high. He shared that the children offered a new nickname for him to reflect his prosthetics, a reminder of the enduring bond and light-hearted moments that helped sustain him through treatment and recovery. This lighter side stood in contrast to the gravity of the medical journey, illustrating how families navigate hardship by balancing gravity with moments of warmth and connection.
The broader context of Kostomarov’s experience underscores the emotional and physical toll that such a serious illness can take on an elite athlete and his relatives. It also highlights the supportive role family members play in medical crises, offering daily encouragement, coordinating care, and maintaining a hopeful outlook. While the path to recovery included significant medical interventions and adjustments to life after major surgeries, the collective commitment of Kostomarov and his loved ones remained a central pillar throughout the process. Those close to him continued to advocate for his wellbeing, celebrate small milestones, and stay engaged with ongoing rehabilitation efforts as he gradually rebuilt strength and mobility over time.
— This account reflects the information shared by Oksana Domnina and described in various interviews and media reports that followed Kostomarov’s hospitalization and treatment, illustrating a deeply human side to a celebrated athlete’s journey through a life-altering health challenge.