Roman Kostomarov, the Olympic ice dancing champion who captivated Turin, remains hospitalized with no immediate plans for discharge. Trusted reports from TASS, citing a knowledgeable source, indicate that prosthetic surgery may be considered in the future as part of his rehabilitation. For now, the focus is on his continued recovery in a controlled medical environment.
Experts say the patient will remain under intensive care for an estimated two to three months. This timeline does not, however, imply a critical condition. He remains fully conscious and shows gradual improvement. A statement from medical staff noted that preparations for prosthetic surgery are being contemplated, though it remains a complex and evolving part of his care plan.
Medical professionals caution that it is not yet possible to declare Kostomarov ready for prosthetics. Alexander Komarov, a rehabilitologist and neurologist, commented that a combination of factors must align for such surgery to be safe. Stabilizing internal homeostasis is a prerequisite before any prosthetic procedure can be considered viable. Kostomarov is described as emotionally sensitive, with mood fluctuations tied to the challenges of his condition.
Until psychological health is stabilized, rehabilitation progress may be limited. A small setback could lead to dysphoria, according to statements reported by NEWS.ru.
Additionally, the specialist noted that it is premature to discuss prosthetic fitting. Komarov suggested that Kostomarov could require one to two years of rehabilitation before prosthetic fitting is feasible. He also emphasized the complexity of selecting appropriate devices and mastering daily management, comparing the process to training for world-class competitions. The pace of recovery and the mental adaptation required for prosthetics present ongoing challenges that demand careful, patient progress.
For younger individuals who suffer severe injuries, such as mine blast victims, maturity of the residual limb can occur within about six weeks, enabling earlier prosthetic use. Kostomarov faces a unique and lengthy rehabilitation journey, and the doctor cited this contrast to illustrate the individualized nature of recovery and prosthetic readiness.
The athlete’s family has chosen to shield personal medical details from the press. Alexander Zhulin, Kostomarov’s former coach, stressed that only the athlete’s spouse, Oksana Domnina, possesses full knowledge of his status. Zhulin noted in an interview that Domnina is the primary confidant and that she and the family maintain the private aspects of his care away from public scrutiny.
Speaking publicly, Zhulin affirmed that the person who truly understands Roman’s condition is his wife, Oksana Domnina. He described how the family makes sure the home remains a place of rest, while the athlete spends extensive hours in hospital care. The sense of ongoing recovery was reinforced by recent signs: Kostomarov’s Telegram account, dormant since early January, has shown activity again, and a close acquaintance, Ilya Averbukh, reported hearing a cheerful tone in voice messages from Roman. These small indicators have provided cautious optimism amid a difficult period.
Dmitry Sychev, a former Russian national football striker who collaborated with Kostomarov on the Ice Age 7 project, told a media outlet that the news of his illness was shocking and that his friend’s privacy should be respected. Sychev expressed heartfelt wishes for strength for Kostomarov and his family and recalled shared moments, including participation in a football tournament alongside Ilya Averbukh and Kostomarov, held near Moscow during a time of intense training. He urged patience, resilience, and a steady belief that Roman will recover.
Public accounts of Kostomarov’s condition trace back to a January 10, 2023, report when the athlete was hospitalized and placed in intensive care due to pneumonia, with a ventilator supporting his breathing. Subsequent updates indicated treatment at Kommunarka Municipal Hospital, including reference to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Accounts circulated of two strokes and later reports mentioning amputations of both legs, and later, fingers. These developments underscore the severity of the medical crisis and the long road to rehabilitation that lies ahead, a journey that continues to unfold in public discourse and private family circles.