Shamil Tarpishchev, leader of the Russian Tennis Federation, spoke about how tennis could support Olympic ice dancer Roman Kostomarov on his road to recovery after major surgery. His remarks were shared to guide readers through the athlete’s challenging journey.
According to Tarpischev, Kostomarov is a true fighter and the sport of tennis can bolster psychological resilience during difficult times because movement, rhythm, and competitive focus stimulate emotional recovery. He added that Australian research highlights tennis as a strong activity for cardiovascular health, a benefit that matters for Kostomarov as he rebuilds stamina and strength after his medical crisis.
Publicly available footage showed Kostomarov testing a prosthetic tennis racquet and attempting to play, followed by another video in which he trained alongside professional player Karen Khachanov. These moments served as visible reminders of his determination and the supportive role of sport in rehabilitation.
Earlier in the new year, Kostomarov faced a severe health scare after a festive performance. He was admitted to hospital and placed in intensive care due to pneumonia, his condition described as critical. Subsequent care took place at a medical facility where parts of his limbs were amputated. By mid year he reached a milestone, being discharged from hospital and beginning the long process of recovery.
Historically, Kostomarov gained Olympic recognition in 2006 and later earned the ice dancing gold with partner Tatyana Navka. Their accomplishments remain a high point in his career and serve as motivation for his ongoing rehabilitation.
In earlier communications, there were mentions that Navka had discussed cosmetic procedures. Those reports reflect ongoing conversations around health and appearance that often accompany high-profile athletes navigating recovery from serious injuries.