The person recognized for leadership in ice show production, Ilya Averbukh, highlighted Roman Kostomarov as a standout figure of 2023. Averbukh noted Kostomarov’s impact and described him as the essential character of the year, a judgment grounded in both competitive skating and public performances where Kostomarov left a lasting impression beyond wins and medals.
In early January 2023, Kostomarov faced a critical health crisis after the New Year performances at an outdoor skating event. He was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia and required advanced life support, including a ventilator, as medical teams assessed his condition as extremely serious. He was moved to Kommunarka Hospital, where doctors performed resuscitation efforts and connected him to an ECMO device to aid oxygenation and circulation. Following initial stabilization, Kostomarov remained on mechanical ventilation for an extended period while his body began the long road to recovery.
Complications from the infection caused severe tissue damage, necessitating a sequence of amputation surgeries. Kostomarov lost both legs, the hand of one arm, and the fingers of the other hand. After a lengthy hospital stay totaling 175 days at Kommunarka, he was discharged on July 6, marking the end of a difficult chapter in his medical journey. The resilience shown during this period became a focal point for many fans and members of the skating community, who followed his struggle and recovery with a blend of concern and admiration.
Even before this health crisis, Kostomarov had made headlines on the ice and in the public eye, including memorable performances with his wife. One notable appearance featured a dance set to the soundtrack of the TV series The Boy’s Word, a moment that connected with audiences and showcased the couple’s artistry and chemistry. This earlier collaboration reinforced Kostomarov’s status as a prominent figure within both the sport and entertainment worlds, amid ongoing conversations about his recovery and future possibilities in skating and performance.