Roman Kostomarov, the Olympic champion in figure skating and ice dancing, spoke about his recovery after the medical procedures that followed a serious illness. In a conversation with MSK1.ru, he outlined his ongoing plans to participate in ice performances and stays connected to the sport he loves.
He described his daily routine as focused on staying active. He noted that fitness remains a central part of life, including cycling, walking outdoors, and swimming, though at a gentle pace. He emphasized that progress comes through steady, patient effort. He looks forward to joining his friend Ilya Averbukh for the annual ice show and said he always tries to stay close to the people and the atmosphere that energize him. “Right now I feel like nothing happened to me,” the athlete remarked, conveying a sense of resilience and forward motion.
The start of the year 2023 marked a turning point when Kostomarov was hospitalized after a New Year’s performance at an outdoor event. Reports indicated he faced a critical condition due to pneumonia and required intensive care, including ventilatory support. He subsequently received care at Kommunarka, and parts of his arms and legs required surgical intervention. The experience was a stark reminder of the fragility of health, even for an athlete who spent years mastering balance and precision on the ice.
On December 17, 2023, Kostomarov again stepped onto the ice in collaboration with choreographer Ilya Averbukh for the performance titled “Together and Forever,” moving with grace on skates as part of the show. The moment underscored his determination to remain a visible and active presence in the world of ice dancing and figure skating, even as recovery continued to shape his daily life.
Earlier discussions from Kostomarov touched on the psychological aspects of recovery. He indicated that the mental journey posed its own challenges, noting that some forms of support did not always fulfill the needs of his moment-to-moment experience. The remarks reflected a candid, human side of an elite athlete navigating a path after serious health events, with emphasis on perseverance and the pursuit of meaningful connection and purpose.