In a revealing interview with Sport Express, world champion figure skater Alexei Tikhonov discussed the possibility of Roman Kostomarov returning to the stage of ice shows. The veteran skater, now 46, spoke about how advancing technologies might open doors for Kostomarov to resume performing in public programs, even after the amputation he endured earlier in the year. The perspective shared by Tikhonov reflects a blend of admiration, caution, and belief in medical and technological progress that can help athletes adapt to life after a life-changing injury [Sport Express].
He emphasized that Kostomarov’s resilience is a beacon for many in the skating community. Although the path to full athletic competition remains complex, the same innovations that assist patients in prosthetic rehabilitation are increasingly capable of enabling expressive stage performances. Tikhonov noted that Romka has already achieved a profound victory in reclaiming a sense of purpose and motion, and he extended heartfelt wishes for continued health and well-being. He added that prosthetic advancements might one day allow Kostomarov to train with precision not just in a gym, but on a rink surface with the same grace that defined his competitive years [Sport Express].
On August 22, Kostomarov took part in an ice show titled Love Letters, staged in Sochi by Ilya Averbukh, alongside his wife Oksana Domnina. The appearance underscored Kostomarov’s enduring connection to the sport and his willingness to participate in performances that celebrate skating artistry, even as he navigates the realities of his new physical condition. The couple’s collaboration in the show drew attention from fans and fellow athletes, illustrating how personal narratives can intersect with public performances to keep the spirit of ice skating alive in the public eye [Sport Express].
In related coverage, veteran coach Tatyana Tarasova weighed in on the broader conversations around Kamila Valieva’s doping investigations, offering insights that reflect the ongoing dialogue within the sport about fairness, scrutiny, and the pressures on young skaters. Tarasova’s perspective added another layer to the discourse surrounding Valieva, complementing the evaluative framework that fans and experts use to interpret results, rules, and the evolving standards in figure skating today [Sport Express].