“I’m glad that girls and women aren’t the only ones saying flattering words. Men also support me, they call me a hero” – Kostomarov

Olympic figure skating champion Roman Kostomarov told that he was inspired and motivated by people’s words of support.

Kostomarov suffered multiple amputations after his hospitalization in early 2023 and was discharged in July.

— By the will of fate, you now receive such attention that probably was not there even during your sports career. How do you deal with this, does it put pressure on you?

“It only inspires and supports me.” When the car stops, a young man gets out of the wheel and says that I am the embodiment of courage, it’s very nice to hear that. I’m glad that girls and women aren’t the only ones saying flattering words. Men also support me, call me a hero and say they are proud to have the opportunity to say hello and hug me.

Of course, I didn’t do anything to become a hero, that’s what happened because of my life situation. This is my character: if I am still alive, then I must get the most out of life.

— Can you follow figure skating now?

— Very rarely, if I turn on the TV and there’s something there, I watch it. But to keep track, no,” Kostomarov told .

Kostomarov, together with Tatyana Navka, won the 2006 Turin Olympics in ice dancing, became a two-time world champion and a three-time European champion.