Conflicting reports followed the evolution of Olympic ice dancer Roman Kostomarov’s illness and recovery. On April 30, the Mash Telegram channel claimed that Kostomarov, hospitalized since January, had undergone prosthetic surgery on his foot and hand. The report stated he was conscious and in recovery, and suggested that moving the athlete to Germany for rehabilitation could take several months.
Minutes later, Sport24 contradicted these claims, citing its own sources. The outlet said that the report about prosthetic surgery was false and that no operation had occurred.
Earlier, on April 24, TASS reported that Kostomarov was in stable condition and engaging in recovery exercises, expressing his desire to return home to be with his family. By April 26, RBC Sport, referencing two sources, noted that Kostomarov faced challenges during rehabilitation, particularly in regaining mobility. Despite these difficulties, his condition remained stable in recent days.
A rehabilitation professional described the current phase as demanding and constant effort. The medical team focuses on restoring mobility, even though the work is arduous and progress is gradual, and the patient must cope with the daily demands of recovery.
Rehabilitation expert Konstantin Ternovoy commented on Kostomarov’s situation, highlighting that the process is lengthy and tough for multiple reasons. He emphasized that the psychological aspect plays a major role because the patient experiences shock, uncertainty about the body, and shifts in self-perception. Maintaining steady emotional support is essential through every stage.
According to the specialist, the body also endures significant fatigue. Several vital organs were affected, with functional impairment spreading across systems. Internal reserves are depleted, and damage to organs has occurred both functionally and structurally due to prior infections. These factors complicate the recovery trajectory.
Musculoskeletal issues are another major hurdle. After surgeries and amputations, recovery points can be precarious. There is also the challenge of adapting the nervous system to changed limb conditions, a process that does not happen quickly.
Lev Averbakh, chief physician of the Petersburg private ambulance Koris, told Sport24 that Kostomarov’s rehabilitation will be prolonged and that there could be moments of deterioration along the way. He noted that the news of recovery is encouraging but cautioned that the road ahead remains lengthy. Serious complications like sepsis, thrombosis, and pneumonia can leave lasting effects and may recur, making a gradual transfer from intensive care to a rehabilitation ward essential before any outward improvement is seen.
Kostomarov is expected to remain under medical supervision for a substantial period, with estimates ranging from six months to several years given the complications involved. The medical team will continue to monitor blood coagulation, overall health metrics, and mental wellbeing throughout the recovery journey.
Before his illness, Kostomarov participated in various ice productions, including a role in the play Anna Karenina staged by producer and choreographer Ilya Averbukh. In the anniversary year, when Kostomarov would turn fifty in 2023, there is interest in his return to the stage, though his involvement remains uncertain for now. Averbukh acknowledged that productions such as Romeo and Juliet and Anna Karenina are planned, but emphasized the challenge of staging Anna Karenina without Kostomarov’s participation. The team remains hopeful for his eventual presence, while recognizing the complexity of the situation and the reliance on his recovery progress.