St. Petersburg authorities and medical specialists confirm that Roman Kostomarov, the 2006 Olympic champion in ice dancing, remains in a long and careful road to recovery after a severe illness. The head of a specialized emergency department, Dr. Lev Averbakh, described the condition as serious and noted that several years could be necessary for a full return to former performance levels. He underscored the reality that the journey back is often strenuous and uncertain, with lingering health effects from critical complications persisting long after the acute phase has passed. This assessment reflects the gravity of the medical challenge and the need for sustained, multidisciplinary care over an extended period. Observers stress that every breakthrough must be welcomed with cautious optimism, followed by continued vigilance in rehabilitation and ongoing medical oversight. The situation has prompted ongoing daily updates from the treating team to keep Kostomarov, his family, and his fans informed.
According to hospital officials, Kostomarov has shown moments of improvement, which are encouraging after a period in which the chances of a favorable outcome were considered very slim. Medical professionals emphasize that the path to recovery includes managing multiple complications that can leave lasting marks on the body. Sepsis, blood clots, pneumonia, and related issues can recur or complicate later stages of healing, requiring careful monitoring and adjustments to treatment plans. The medical team has made it clear that even after initial stabilization, the overall recovery remains a lengthy process that demands ongoing effort, resilience, and close cooperation among specialists across fields such as infectious disease, critical care, cardiology, and rehabilitation medicine.
The current plan involves close supervision by doctors for a minimum of six months, with the potential for a much longer rehabilitation timeline given the complexity of Kostomarov’s condition. Healthcare professionals acknowledge that the presence of secondary problems can extend the duration of recovery, sometimes spanning years. The focus is on preserving organ function, preventing new complications, and gradually restoring mobility, strength, and stamina through a structured program. The clinical team continues to evaluate progress on a regular basis, adjusting therapies as needed to address evolving needs and to maximize the chance of a meaningful recovery.
Earlier updates confirmed that Kostomarov was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia and required respiratory support. He subsequently underwent transfer to a specialized facility where advanced life-support measures, including extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), were employed to sustain circulation and oxygenation during the most critical phase. There were reports of significant complications during this period, including loss of vision in one eye and episodes of stroke, alongside multiple surgical interventions. Medical experts emphasize that such events are not uncommon in cases of severe systemic infection and organ failure, and each complication carries its own set of risks and rehabilitation considerations. The priority remains stabilizing the patient, protecting brain function, and coordinating a comprehensive recovery strategy that addresses both acute needs and long-term quality of life.
Within the broader sporting community, discussions have continued regarding the participation of Russian athletes in international competitions. Notably, former figure skater and choreographer Ilya Averbukh commented on appeals made by Ukrainian skater Oksana Baiul to the International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach regarding eligibility restrictions for Russian athletes. The dialogue reflects ongoing concerns about fairness, safety, and the evolving rules that govern international sport amid complex geopolitical and health-related contexts. This discourse underscores the importance of sport as a unifying platform while acknowledging the serious realities faced by athletes and teams during periods of crisis. Source: Medical and sports administration communications