Roman Kostomarov, the Olympic gold medalist in ice dancing from 2006, endured a harrowing period after a series of alarming health episodes that led to hospitalization and a future marked by significant medical procedures. His experiences were later explored in the documentary Roman Kostomarov Twice Born, which premiered in Moscow on March 7 and offered a candid glimpse into the athlete’s trials and resilience.
In an interview about the documentary, Kostomarov recalled a troubling sequence in early March when he visited a bathhouse for a steam session. He described stepping into a cold ice hole and repeatedly submerging himself, a ritual that left his body feeling severely jolted. On the return trip after the sauna, he suddenly developed an intense cough and a sharp pain on one side, a combination that signaled a serious health scare and prompted further medical attention.
January 2023 brought another wave of challenges as Kostomarov was hospitalized after a New Year performance at an outdoor show. Reports at the time indicated that he had developed pneumonia and required intensive care, with ventilation support needed due to the severity of his condition. He received care at a major medical facility and, in the course of treatment, suffered complications that affected his limbs. The situation underscored the fragility of health even for elite athletes and highlighted the ongoing battle many individuals face in recovery from serious illnesses.
Despite these hardships, Kostomarov remained active in the figure skating community. On December 17, 2023, he took the ice again for a performance connected to choreographer Ilya Averbukh, participating in the show Together and Forever. Moving gracefully on skates, he demonstrated a continued commitment to his craft and to sharing the stage with fellow performers, even as he navigated personal health challenges.
Earlier in his career Kostomarov received wide recognition for his contributions to sport. In 2007 he was awarded a prominent order in Russia, recognizing his notable achievements in physical culture and ice sport, a testament to his impact on athletes and fans alike. His career has been marked by international acclaim, competitive success, and a lasting influence on the skating community both in Russia and abroad.
In recent years Kostomarov has been remembered as one of the top Russian figure skaters and as a figure of resilience. His journey reflects not only the peaks of Olympic triumph but also the realities of health challenges that can accompany an athlete’s life at the very highest levels of competition. The narrative surrounding his life, including the documentary, continues to invite discussion about perseverance, medical care, and the evolving story of a skater who left a lasting imprint on the sport.
For audiences and followers of figure skating, Kostomarov’s experience offers a broader perspective on how athletes manage sudden health crises and rebuild their careers. The conversations sparked by his story contribute to a wider dialogue about medical support, recovery timelines, and the emotional dimensions of returning to the ice after severe illness and life altering procedures. The arc of his life in the public eye remains both inspirational and instructive, illustrating how one athlete navigates the intersection of sport, health, and personal determination. At every turn, Kostomarov’s path underscores that athletic greatness is inseparable from the human vulnerabilities that accompany it, and that perseverance can carry a person forward through the most challenging times. (Cited from documentary discussions and public records related to his career and health history)