Kostomarov's Resilient Comeback
Life of Kostomarov After Strokes, Domnina's Death, Amputation, and a $2 Million Prosthesis: An Examination
This year, Olympic figure skating champ Roman Kostomarov saw his 48th birthday. After a life-altering event in 2023, the athlete managed to bounce back and reclaim a fulfilling life. This article from NEWS.ru will spill the beans on the man's current endeavors, the TV show he hosts, his split with Oksana Domnina, and the filmmakers eager to tell his captivating story.
Kostomarov's Glorious Past
Kostomarov made his entry into this world on February 8, 1977. His parents were neither athletically inclined nor involved in sports—his mother, Valentina, a cook, and his father, Sergei, an electrician. Kicking off figure skating at age nine under coach Lyudmila Karavaeva, Kostomarov debuted at the World Junior Championships alongside her daughter, Ekaterina Davydova[1]. Prior to partnering with an ice skater for roughly ten years, he clinched the World Junior Championships in 1996[1].
Switching gears to coach Natalia Linichuk, talented Tatiana Navka joined Kostomarov's team the following year. The duo trained in Delaware, USA, where they secured bronze at the Russian Championships[2]. Despite Linichuk doubting their potential, the pair continued flourishing. Promising under the guidance of Alexander Zhulin, they reigned victorious at the World Championships in Dortmund and Moscow[2]. Navka and Kostomarov attended the 2006 Olympics in Turin, where they merited the golden medal and boasted three European Championship wins[3]. After their competitive years, the couple retired.
Misfortune's Bite
In January 2023, illness strike Kostomarov. After just a few days of feeling unwell, he performed in an ice show with a fever but soon found himself in the ICU[4]. Two days passed before he was connected to an ECMO machine. Plagued by two strokes, meningitis, and a coma, the Olympic champ faced dire odds. Fueling the speculation, it was reported in a Telegram channel that Kostomarov kept treating himself by plunging into freezing water instead of resorting to medication[4]. The freezing temperatures led to an interruption in blood flow, causing sepsis and gangrene, and resulted in the amputation of his necrotic limbs[4]. Remarkably, after close to six months in medical care, the figure skater was discharged and fitted with prosthetic limbs to learn to walk again[4].
Shattering Barriers
August 2023 marked a significant milestone in Kostomarov's recovery when he stepped back onto the ice for the first time post-amputation[5]. In Sochi, he participated in figure skater and choreographer Ilya Averbuch's gala show "Letters of Love." As Oksana Domnina skated her emotionally charged story of love, Kostomarov's prerecorded voice resounded through the venue: "I can see you. I can hear you. I can feel you. I can hold you. I love you very much." Gracing the ice in sneakers, the couple concluded their performance by hugging and exiting the rink to enthusiastic applause[5].
"I Am Alive and Well"
Addressing the audience, Kostomarov expressed his gratitude for their warm support and encouragement. "I felt it all, saw it all, and I'm grateful for it[5]. May everyone be happy and healthy, be mindful of your health, and wishing you all the best." The tough-as-nails athlete had a video of his first time skating on ice after his amputation uploaded online in December 2023[5]. Returns to the ice continued, as Kostomarov participated in one of Averbuch's anniversary shows in December 2023[5].
"I Want to Wake Up as I Was Before"
The challenges Kostomarov faced during his recovery weighed heavy on the champion. "I never expected to wake up on January 17 or 20 with black legs and hands[6]. I was under such anesthesia, they could barely bring me out of a coma[6]. Without the support of his loved ones, Kostomarov wouldn't have made it through the struggle. Stricken with depression, he wrestled with thoughts of death[6]. "I cried bitterly[6]. I even wished I had said, 'Leave me alone, let me leave this world.'"
Love, Loss, and Redemption
In November 2023, Kostomarov revealed at the "Personal Brand Borders" forum that the love of his family played a crucial role in his survival[6].
"If my wife, parents, and friends hadn't been by my side, my heart might not have held up[6]. Everything in me shut down[6]. Only my heart was working." He expended his energy reflecting on his past, seeking to define what his existence should entail from this moment on[6]. "What would I do? How would I make a living[6]. I didn't understand why such a person should be left to live."
In an interview with Yulia Mеньшова, Oksana Domnina spoke about the unexpected turns Kostomarov's life had taken and how they dealt with the challenges[6]. "At first, I didn't know if Roman would walk again[6]. If he would go on[6]. In the earliest moments, questions about how to live, what would happen next." The constant questioning was destructive, making it vital to focus on the moment at hand and find solace in the hope that tomorrow will be better.
A New Lease on Life
September 2024 marked another triumphant moment for Kostomarov when he had a prosthetic replacement for his left hand[7]. The advanced prosthesis was covered by the state, defraying the cost. Setting his sights even higher, Kostomarov revealed that he traded football kicks for blacktop whacks in a charity match in Moscow for the Konstantin Khabensky Foundation[7]. In a turn of events, he found himself playing tennis against Russian tennis pro Karen Khachanov in December 2023. Kostomarov held a racket with his bionic hand and successfully unleashed shots on the court, further shattering limitations[7].
Inspiration and Triumph for Paralympic Athletes
In Paris, Paralympians found inspiration in Kostomarov's story of resilience, grit, and determination[7]. The Russian Paralympic Committee's head, Pavel Rozhkov, commended Kostomarov as a symbol of inner strength and praised him for his unwavering support[7]. The 2024 Paralympic Games saw Russia garner 20 gold, 21 silver, and 23 bronze medals, with Kostomarov's influence felt by the athletes[7].
"Soul to Soul" and "Robots"
Broadcasting a heartfelt talk with notable figures from sports, showbiz, film, and media, Kostomarov debuted his talk show "Soul to Soul" on Rutube in September 2024[8]. Comedian and TV host Alexander Revva was the first guest. Additionally, Kostomarov has been hosting the TV show "Robots" on Channel "Friday" since the previous year[8]. Aiming to test participants' physical strength, endurance, and courage, the show features extreme challenges and will span ten episodes. Amidst his hectic schedule, Kostomarov diligently continues his ice skating practice.
The Captivating "Olympia"
In April 2023, filmmaker Sarik Andreasyan announced his plans to direct a feature film about Kostomarov's life[9]. Musing on the untold story of the figure skater, Andreasyan stated his intentions to commence filming in 2025[9]. The project will depict the tribulations Kostomarov faced during his recovery and regaining his strength to conquer the challenges ahead. Known for directing several famous films, including the series "Chikatilo" and films "Unforgiven" and "In the Sun, Along the Rows of Corn," Andreasyan plans to bring depth and authenticity to the film about Kostomarov. To ensure accuracy, the script will be based on the athlete's life and experiences, as well as his own thoughts and feelings.
- Kostomarov's resilient return to the ice in August 2023 was documented in a video uploaded online in December 2023, demonstrating his determination to overcome his medical conditions.
- Despite the challenges posed by his health and wellness issues, Kostomarov's sports spirit remained undiminished, as evidenced by his participation in a charity match for the Konstantin Khabensky Foundation and a tennis match against Russian tennis pro Karen Khachanov.
- In an attempt to share his inspiring story with others, Kostomarov debuted his talk show "Soul to Soul" on Rutube in September 2024, inviting guests from various fields such as sports, showbiz, film, and media.
- The captivating story of Kostomarov's life will soon be brought to the big screen by filmmaker Sarik Andreasyan, who plans to begin filming in 2025.
- Kostomarov's comeback serves as a testament to the power of science and medical research in assisting individuals with medical conditions to regain their health and engage in sports activities.
