The respected Soviet and Russian figure skating coach Tatyana Tarasova publicly commented on the news about Roman Kostomarov, who has continued to pursue sports after a severe accident and subsequent medical challenges. Tarasova praised Kostomarov, noting that he remains a remarkably resilient athlete capable of pursuing his passions even in the face of hardship, including tennis with a prosthetic right arm. According to Tarasova, Roman embodies strength and determination, showing that personal limits can be tested and often expanded through daily effort and a steadfast mindset. The coach emphasized that Kostomarov is capable of achieving goals that many would consider out of reach, underscoring her belief in his perseverance and courage.
In early January 2023, Kostomarov faced a critical health crisis. He was admitted to hospital after a New Year performance at an outdoor show and was reported to be in intensive care with pneumonia, requiring a ventilator. His condition was described as extremely serious, and his team later indicated that he was receiving care at the Kommunarka facility. During this period, medical teams performed multiple procedures, and parts of Kostomarov’s upper and lower limbs were amputated as part of the life-saving interventions needed to stabilize his overall health. The medical community, his family, and fans watched closely as his treatment progressed and as hopes for recovery began to take shape in the weeks that followed.
By July 2023, Kostomarov had been discharged from the hospital. The recovery journey continued with visible signs of progress, including a video released on June 26 in which he could be seen training using prosthetic devices. This marked a meaningful step in his rehabilitation, illustrating his commitment to regaining mobility and maintaining an active lifestyle. In August, Kostomarov and his wife, Oksana, joined Ilya Averbukh’s ice show Love Letters in Sochi. It was his first appearance on the ice in front of fans since the hospitalization, a moment that underscored the rapid emotional and physical adjustments that come with such a comeback and highlighted the support from his partner and the broader skating community.
Former sports commentators and colleagues, including Dmitry Guberniev, remarked on Kostomarov’s posture and behavior after discharge. These remarks reflected the mixed sentiments of admiration and cautious optimism that surrounded his ongoing recovery. The broader skating world has followed his journey with interest, recognizing both the personal triumphs and the ongoing challenges that accompany life after a traumatic medical event. Tarasova’s remarks, in particular, resonated with many fans who witnessed Kostomarov’s career rise from a young skater to a celebrated champion, and who understand the emotional weight that accompanies a comeback attempt after such a serious health episode. The narrative surrounding Kostomarov’s recovery is a testament to resilience, supportive communities, and the enduring hope that athletes can redefine their limits with time, professional care, and unwavering resolve.