Roman Kostomarov, the 2006 Olympic champion in figure skating, has announced a return to competition and connected with fans through a telegraph channel. He spoke to followers, saying, “Hello everyone, I’m on Telegram now. This is the real me, and I’m truly with you.”
Earlier in January, Kostomarov faced a serious medical crisis after performing at an outdoor show as the new year began. Reports indicated he was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia and required artificial lung ventilation, with his condition described as extremely grave. He subsequently moved to a hospital in Kommunarka, where medical teams worked to stabilize him and he was placed on advanced life support systems.
By February, news outlets stated that Kostomarov underwent amputations of both legs, and there were later reports of finger amputations as well. The Olympic champion began a long rehabilitation journey in the spring, focusing on recovery and rebuilding strength. On June 26, he shared a video of himself training with prosthetic limbs, marking a significant moment in his healing process. Since then, Kostomarov has continued to document his progress across his social channels, offering a candid look at the challenges and milestones of his path to recovery.
This journey of resilience has drawn comparisons to the experience many people face after major physical changes, highlighting Kostomarov’s determination to adapt and move forward. The story serves as a reminder of the human capacity to rebuild after severe illness and injury, and of the ongoing support from fans and the broader sporting community as he navigates life after the catastrophic health event.