MOSCOW, 19 Mar — Choreographer Ilya Averbukh told reporters that Turin 2006 Olympic champion Roman Kostomarov understands the situation and is ready to fight for his life.

The choreographer added that the Kostomarov family can be helped by all-round support and prayers.

Kostomarov was hospitalized on January 10 with pneumonia. Later, the Olympic champion suffered a stroke, he developed necrosis. Sources said that doctors amputated part of the figure skater’s leg and several fingers on his hands.

On Friday, “MK” learned about the amputation of both legs and the hand of one of the athlete’s hands. On March 19, information appeared about a significant improvement in Kostomarov’s health. The skater began to breathe on his own without the use of auxiliary equipment.