Tarasova Responds to New Kostomarov Training Video and His Inspiring Comeback
The esteemed Soviet and Russian figure skating coach Tatiana Tarasova has weighed in on a recently released training clip featuring Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov. The moment captured by Sport Express shows Kostomarov, now 46, continuing his brave journey back to the ice after a severe health setback. Tarasova expressed pride and astonishment at how Kostomarov perseveres and refuses to quit, noting that she regards him as one of the most remarkable athletes she has ever witnessed. This reaction underscores the deep respect sports communities hold for his resilience and dedication to rehabilitation. [Source: Sport Express]
In the newly shared footage, Kostomarov is seen on a treadmill, moving with the support of a prosthetic leg. He follows the treadmill session with weight-bearing exercises for the arms and leg swings, all part of a carefully structured rehab routine designed to rebuild strength, balance, and confidence on the ice. The visual narrative highlights not only the physical challenge but also the mental fortitude required to relearn movement after a life-changing injury. [Source: Sport Express]
Remarkably, Kostomarov has progressed to pedaling on a stationary bike while fitted with prosthetic legs. He limits daily sessions to under an hour to allow his body to adapt to the artificial limbs and to manage pain as a natural part of the recovery process. At this stage, hand prosthetics have not yet been integrated into his training regime, reflecting a measured, step-by-step approach to rehabilitation that prioritizes safety and gradual progression. [Source: Sport Express]
Historically, Kostomarov’s career has been marked by extraordinary achievements in figure skating, a sport where precision, balance, and artistry converge. His current rehabilitation journey follows a significant medical episode that required intensive care earlier in the year. While the specifics of the health event have been discussed in public forums, the focus remains on his steadfast commitment to recovery and his aspiration to return to the ice at a high level. The broader message resonates across professional sports: resilience and patience can coexist with a demanding training schedule when guided by experienced medical and coaching teams. [Source: Sport Express]
Tarasova, known for her influential voice in competitive skating, has long mentored athletes through both triumphs and setbacks. Her public praise for Kostomarov’s persistence aligns with a broader narrative celebrated by Canadian and American audiences as well: dedication to rehabilitation as a pathway to reclaiming athletic identity. Observers note that Kostomarov’s approach mirrors best practices in rehab programs that blend endurance work, neuromuscular reeducation, and sport-specific drills. [Source: Sport Express]
As Kostomarov’s rehabilitation unfolds, fans and analysts alike watch closely for signs of progress that might indicate a future return to performance ice. The support from Tarasova underscores the unity within the skating community, where mentors, peers, and followers rally behind athletes facing adversity. In Canada and the United States, where figure skating enjoys substantial popularity, Kostomarov’s journey is conveyed as a powerful example of perseverance and the human capacity to adapt to new physical realities while maintaining the essence of an elite sport. [Source: Sport Express]
Overall, the release of the video and Tarasova’s reaction contribute to a growing conversation about adaptive sport, the evolving role of prosthetics in high-level athletics, and the ongoing commitment required to rebuild velocity, rhythm, and edge control on the ice. Kostomarov’s path illustrates that recovery is not a straight line but a dynamic process built on small, deliberate movements, professional medical guidance, and unwavering personal resolve. The skating world will continue to watch and learn from his determined trajectory. [Source: Sport Express]