MOSCOW, December 18 Wife of the 2006 Olympic champion in dancing on the ice of Roman Kostomarov, Oksana Domnina said that the support of people after the first video posted on social networks after amputations inspired the athlete.
Kostomarov was admitted to intensive care with pneumonia on January 10 and spent 175 days in the clinic. Due to the necrosis that developed, he underwent several amputations of his arms and legs. In June, he published his first training video after getting prosthetics.
“We didn’t expect such a stir around our story and didn’t think about it at all. It was, of course, such a surprise, because Roma, of course, did not dare to appear in public for a long time. These are normal thoughts and normal experiences in his condition. A turning point was when we, without meeting anyone yet, posted a video. He realized how many people supported him and saw so much strength in him. It somehow inspired him. Now, when he is in a decadent mood, it’s normal, impossible always be in a good mood — this universal love really supports him. Of course, we couldn’t even imagine or imagine that this was possible. He himself laughs and says: “I used to have only female fans, but now even men stop and come out from their cars and shake hands,” Domnina said on the “Free program” podcast on Channel One.
“We, athletes, are not taught to whine and complain, so the Roma that everyone sees is the pinnacle of Olympus, to which he still goes to. No one knows or sees Roma what he is like at home. And, of course, when we all see him, he inspires faith and hope that we must live. I am of the same opinion: we must live, move forward. If so, then so. You can't change anything, you just have to move forward — there is no other way out. Although, of course, it’s still difficult for Roma morally, but nevertheless he is moving forward with some steps,” she added.
The couple is raising two children — 12-year-old Anastasia and 7-year-old Ilya.
““He now gets even more buzz from fatherhood because he spends even more time with his children. They inspire him very much, motivate him, and, of course, he is happy that he can see them, their smiles, kiss them, hug them. He motivates them not to give up even in the most difficult situations. But not only them, I think many people,” noted the skater’s wife.