The GREATEST HERO Of The Soviet Union: Shavarsh Karapetyan
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Why is Shavarsh Karapetyan considered one of the greatest heroes of the Soviet Union?
Shavarsh Karapetyan is considered a hero for his selfless act of saving 20 people from a sinking trolleybus in 1976. Despite severe injuries and health risks, he repeatedly dove into polluted, freezing water to rescue passengers, showcasing extraordinary bravery and strength. His actions, along with his earlier heroic feats like stopping a runaway bus, cemented his legacy as a true hero.
What were the long-term health consequences Shavarsh Karapetyan faced after the trolleybus rescue?
After the rescue, Shavarsh developed double pneumonia and sepsis from the polluted water, leading to a 104-degree fever. He spent 45 days in the hospital and suffered permanent damage to his respiratory system, chronic mucus production, reduced stamina, and frequent migraines. These health issues forced him to retire from competitive swimming.
Why did the Soviet government initially cover up the trolleybus accident?
The Soviet government covered up the accident to avoid negative propaganda during the Cold War. Admitting such a disaster would have exposed incompetence, corruption, and a lack of concern for citizens, which could have been exploited by the U.S. and its allies. The official stance was that the incident was a 'rumor,' and no public recognition was given to Shavarsh initially.
What recognition did Shavarsh Karapetyan eventually receive for his heroic actions?
Shavarsh received the Order of the Badge of Honor and the Medal for the Salvation of the Drowning from the Soviet Union. Later, he was globally recognized with awards like the World Fair Play Prize and had an asteroid named after him (3027 Shavarsh). In 2014, he carried the Olympic torch twice during the Sochi Olympics, a rare honor.
Why did Shavarsh Karapetyan not receive the Hero of the Soviet Union Medal?
Despite his heroic actions, Shavarsh was only awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor, a civilian award given to millions. The Hero of the Soviet Union Medal, reserved for extraordinary feats, was not awarded to him, likely due to internal politics and discrimination against Armenians within the Soviet system.
What was Shavarsh Karapetyan's athletic career like before the trolleybus incident?
Shavarsh was a world-class fin swimmer, breaking 11 world records and winning 37 gold medals in Soviet, European, and World Championships. He excelled in apnea fin swimming, holding his breath underwater, a skill honed after a traumatic childhood incident where he survived being thrown into a lake with a rock tied to him.
How did Shavarsh Karapetyan's childhood experiences shape his swimming career?
At age 15, Shavarsh was nearly killed when bullies tied a rock to him and threw him into a lake. His survival, thanks to his swimming skills and strength, shaped his resilience and ability to hold his breath underwater. This trauma indirectly prepared him for fin swimming, where he excelled in apnea events.
What was the significance of Shavarsh Karapetyan carrying the Olympic torch twice in 2014?
Carrying the Olympic torch twice during the 2014 Sochi Olympics was a rare honor, symbolizing his enduring legacy as a hero. It was the closest he came to participating in the Olympics, a dream he sacrificed due to his heroic actions. His pride in representing both Russia and Armenia highlighted his dual cultural identity.
Why did Shavarsh Karapetyan continue competing after the trolleybus incident despite his injuries?
Shavarsh continued competing out of sheer determination and love for his sport. Despite permanent respiratory damage and other health issues, he set his last world record and won medals at the European Championships. His indomitable spirit drove him to push through physical limitations until he could no longer compete.
What was the public reaction when Shavarsh Karapetyan's heroic actions were finally revealed?
When the story broke six years later, Shavarsh received over 60,000 letters of gratitude. His wife learned about his heroism from a newspaper article, as he had never mentioned it. The public's admiration and recognition finally brought him the acclaim he deserved, though he never sought it.
- Shavarsh Karapetyan's early life and athletic career
- His rise to become a fin-swimming champion
- Early brush with death and attempted murder
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