Figure skating coach Alexei Mishin turned to 2006 Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov in ice dancing. Mishina transmits words “Sport Express”.
In a recently shared video, Kostomarov appeared performing workouts with prosthetic legs, marking a public moment in his long and difficult journey back to athletic activity. The clip, posted on the athlete’s social networks on June 26, captured him moving with the new limbs, a sign of progress that surprised fans and fellow professionals who had followed his health saga since his hospitalization earlier in the year. This moment was noted by observers as a crucial milestone in Kostomarov’s rehabilitation process, illustrating the resilience that has characterized his career long before this setback and underscoring the support from coaches and colleagues who continue to follow his path closely.
“I am very glad that our legendary figure skater Roman has recovered. Let him fight, that’s how life is,” Mishin said, expressing a blend of gratitude and determination that resonates with the sport’s community. The statement reflects not only relief at any signs of improvement but also the enduring belief in Kostomarov’s capacity to confront adversity head-on. Support from mentors like Mishin has long been a part of Kostomarov’s narrative, reinforcing the sense that his comeback is as much about mentorship and character as about physical recovery.
News from January 10 confirmed that Kostomarov was hospitalized, admitted to intensive care due to pneumonia and placed on a ventilator because his condition was critical. The hospitalization marked the start of a challenging chapter in which medical teams monitored his response to treatment and worked to stabilize his lungs and overall health under intensive care conditions. Such a trajectory is not uncommon in severe respiratory infections, and it set the stage for subsequent decisions regarding his long-term care plan and potential interventions.
Following initial stabilization, Kostomarov was transferred to a hospital in Kommunarka, where he received advanced life support including ECMO. Media outlets reported that, as a consequence of the illness and the extensive treatment, there were operations conducted that led to limb amputations in the course of his care. The details of these procedures highlighted the severity of the medical challenges he faced and the difficult choices confronting both the patient and the medical team as they pursued the best possible outcome for his health and quality of life.
Alexander Zhulin, a former Russian coach, reacted to the situation in a video posted by Kostomarov, adding his perspective to the chorus of support surrounding the skater. The response from the coaching community and the broader skating world reflects a sustained interest in Kostomarov’s welfare and a shared hope for his continued recovery. The discussions among coaches and athletes alike emphasize the deep bonds within the sport, where personal health journeys are followed with the same intensity as competitive results.