Soviet and Russian figure skating coach Alexei Mishin expressed his sorrow and concern after hearing the latest updates on Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov’s health. Mishin told reporters that he sends his condolences and shares the pain of the moment, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the emotional impact on everyone close to the athlete.
The latest reports indicate Kostomarov has undergone an amputation of both legs in an effort to halt necrosis and stop the progression of tissue death. He remains conscious and is receiving intensive care, with a team of specialists closely monitoring his condition around the clock. The doctors describe the procedure as challenging but necessary to address life-threatening complications and to stabilize his overall health trajectory.
Earlier communications revealed that Kostomarov was hospitalized on January 10 and admitted to the intensive care unit due to pneumonia. He required artificial lung ventilation, and his status was described as extremely serious. Initial reports also mentioned finger amputations as part of the medical response, reflecting the severity of the complications he faced during the early stages of treatment.
Subsequent updates indicated a transfer to a hospital in Kommunarka, where medical teams performed resuscitation efforts and connected him to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support vital functions during the critical period. By January 24, Kostomarov was disconnected from the ECMO apparatus, yet the medical team noted ongoing issues with blood circulation that continued to warrant careful observation and management.
Kostomarov, together with Tatyana Navka, earned Olympic glory in ice dancing. Their long-time coach was Alexander Zhulin, whose guidance helped shape Kostomarov’s elite career and contribute to Russia’s prominence on the world stage. Earlier in his career, Kostomarov skated with Anna Semenovich under the coaching of Natalia Linichuk, a pairing that did not reach the same level of international success, yet remains part of the athlete’s history and development as a performer.
Valeria Lanskaya had previously refused to comment on Kostomarov’s condition, leaving fans and colleagues to await official updates from medical professionals and the athletes’ representatives. The skating community continues to follow every development with a mix of concern and solidarity, recognizing the extraordinary pressures athletes face when injuries or serious illnesses threaten their careers and lives.
As the situation evolves, fans, fellow athletes, and coaches reflect on Kostomarov’s resilience and the broader implications for the sport. Medical teams emphasize the importance of careful, ongoing assessment and treatment to manage complex health challenges, while family and supporters communicate messages of hope and perseverance. In the world of sport where triumphs are celebrated publicly, the current moment also highlights the human side of athletes who endure severe health crises and the professional networks that rally around them during recovery and rehabilitation journeys.