The Olympic champion in ice dancing, once partnered with Roman Kostomarov, Tatyana Navka, reacted emotionally to the skater’s discharge from the hospital and left a comment under the figure skater’s Instagram post. Navka’s remark carried a sense of admiration and solidarity, reflecting her long-standing connection to Kostomarov and her perspective as a prominent figure in the sport.
Kostomarov left the hospital on July 6 after a treatment period spanning more than five months, a journey that tested his resilience and prompted discussions about his future in sport and public life. The milestone was noted by observers who have followed his medical ordeal and rehabilitation with ongoing attention from fans and media alike.
Navka, addressing Kostomarov directly through social media, wrote, “Romochka, what a pleasure to see you!!! I know my Kostomarov. Truly a hero of our time!” Her words echoed a sense of personal connection and public reverence for his perseverance during a period marked by serious health challenges.
At the start of the year, Kostomarov was hospitalized following performances at an open-air show. Medical teams assessed a severe case of pneumonia that required intensive care. He faced respiratory support and remained dependent on artificial ventilation for an extended time, with specialists in Kommunarka coordinating his care. In the course of treatment, doctors initiated life-sustaining interventions, including ECMO, before transitioning to long-term ventilation support as his condition was stabilized gradually.
Complications from the illness led to severe tissue damage that necessitated multiple amputations, including the loss of toes and portions of both feet. This sequence of events underscored the gravity of his condition and the demanding nature of the medical response required to preserve his life and mobility in the aftermath.
As spring arrived, Kostomarov embarked on an intensive rehabilitation program. By June 26, he publicly shared a video showing his progression in exercising with prosthetic devices, signaling the beginning of a long road toward regained mobility and strength. He continued to share snippets of his rehabilitation journey, including workouts posted on social media in late June and early July, illustrating both the physical effort and the emotional resilience involved in the recovery process.
In the wake of these developments, questions arose about Kostomarov’s potential role following discharge. Observers and fans, alongside sports officials, considered possibilities ranging from coaching and mentoring younger skaters to taking on leadership responsibilities within skating programs. Reports from various media outlets noted ongoing discussions about how he might contribute to the sport in a new capacity while addressing his health and personal circumstances, as reported by several Russian and international outlets.