Roman Kostomarov, the 2006 Olympic champion in ice dancing, faced a serious health challenge that kept him in intensive care. A source familiar with the situation told TASS that his condition remains serious, though there has been no dramatic deterioration recently and the overall picture has stabilized to some extent.
Previously, on January 10, 2002 Olympic silver medalist Ilya Averbukh disclosed that Kostomarov was in intensive care. The skater had been involved in Averbukh’s ice projects, performing from December 29 to January 7 in the show “The Wizard of Oz” before appearing on an open rink in Kolomna as part of the “Winter in the Moscow Region” project.
According to TASS, Kostomarov was hospitalized at a hospital in Kommunarka and at one point connected to an ECMO machine. On January 11, the Telegram channel Shot reported that the athlete was under medical sedation. It was noted that the 45-year-old figure skater had been diagnosed with left-sided pneumonia in combination with influenza B.
Reports from the day before noted that Kostomarov underwent tracheal intubation and catheterization of the central veins. His current temperature stood at 37.8 degrees Celsius, and respiratory failure was attributed to pneumonia. He remained on a ventilator in the intensive care unit dedicated to heart patients. The athlete’s mother, Valentina Kostomarova, confirmed on January 11 that her son was in critical condition due to the left-sided pneumonia, and she expressed uncertainty about how to cope with the situation. The surface level of the news was grim, with officials and media outlets noting the severity of his condition.
Earlier, Mash Telegram had claimed the champion had been ill for a week before hospitalization on January 9 and that he continued performing with a fever of 38.4 degrees, even reportedly diving into the ice to rally during a performance. Kostomarov’s family and representatives denied these reports, with Kostomarov Sr. suggesting that the illness did not come from anything the athlete did intentionally and that a severe cold precipitated the condition. Acknowledging the confusion, he said the public should avoid chasing sensational theories. The family and close circles emphasized Kostomarov’s athletic resilience and training background, noting it was surprising how quickly his health deteriorated.
In media discussions that followed, prominent figures in figure skating weighed in. Honored trainer Tatyana Tarasova dismissed claims that Kostomarov had plunged into a pit as part of a treatment. She recalled seeing him recently and said he did not have a fever, though he had a mild cough and chest discomfort. Other coaches and colleagues offered their reflections, considering a mix of infectious illnesses and external factors such as weather conditions during performances. The general sentiment was one of concern and well-wishes for a swift recovery.
Some people in the figure skating community offered cautionary opinions about health protocols at performances in cold environments. Inna Goncharenko, a Russian coach, suggested that an infectious outbreak could have worsened his condition and that wearing protective measures might be prudent during public demonstrations to safeguard athletes and audiences. Choreographer Alexey Zheleznyakov, associated with the Eteri Tutberidze team, commented that the shows often demanded performing in extreme cold, and while the work is important, health must come first. He emphasized that weather alone should not be blamed for such a serious illness, noting that the circumstances were exceptional and that health takes priority over performances.
Veteran coach Alexei Mishin urged restraint, arguing that skating on open rinks in severe frost had not universally led to illness in the past. He cautioned against attributing Kostomarov’s condition to rinks, weather, or the demands of shows and organizers, calling for a balanced perspective on the situation.
As the story developed, commentators highlighted Kostomarov’s long career and the physical demands of high-level skating. They stressed the importance of careful medical management, clear communication with fans, and support for the athlete and his family during a difficult period. The broader takeaway focused on safeguarding athletes’ health above performances, especially in times when infections and severe cold can complicate recovery.