Shavarsh Karapetyan, an Armenian swimmer who retired from professional sports, had an extraordinary encounter in 1976. Upon completing a grueling 26 km (16 mile) run, he heard a loud commotion and discovered that a trolleybus had collided with a reservoir. The trolleybus had submerged 10 meters (33 ft) deep, approximately 25 meters (82 ft) away from the shore.
Despite the challenging circumstances of murky water and limited visibility, Karapetyan fearlessly plunged into the depths and utilized his legs to forcefully shatter the rear window of the trolleybus. With unwavering determination, he managed to save 46 out of the 92 passengers, rescuing a total of 20 lives.
However, the frigid water and shattered glass inflicted numerous lacerations on Karapetyan's body, leading to his hospitalization for a duration of 45 days. During his recovery, he confronted additional complications such as pneumonia and sepsis. Although he eventually regained his health, the damage sustained by his lungs rendered him unable to continue his highly successful swimming career.
"I was aware that I could only save a limited number of lives. I harbored a fear of committing errors. The darkness below was so profound that discerning anything became an arduous task. On one occasion, I inadvertently grasped a seat instead of an individual while diving, forfeiting the opportunity to save a life. That memory continues to haunt me in my nightmares," he shared.
In 1985, Karapetyan encountered a blazing building where several individuals found themselves trapped. Without a moment's hesitation, he valiantly entered the structure and commenced the rescue operation. Regrettably, he sustained severe burns during the heroic act, necessitating another hospitalization.
During his later years, Karapetyan relocated to Moscow and established a shoe company called "Second Breath." Astonishingly, he remains alive to this day and actively oversees his business endeavors.
LIFE & TIMING
+ In your teens, learn languages
+ Betw. 15 and 50, read 18-40 h/week, w/a huuuge filter. Learn to read stuff you retain
+ In your early 20s, learn maths & how to make solid money (~ impossible later)
+ Betw. 45 & 145, lift free-weight; 55 & 100, ride bikes
July 20, 1926 | David Einhornn, a Romanian Jew, was born in Bistra, Maramureș in Hungary.
In 1944, he was deported to #Auschwitz, where his whole family was murdered.
David survived, and today is his 96th birthday!
Would you please join us in wishing him a wonderful day?
O meu obituário sobre o Zé Du, escrito em inglês e português, é capa desta edição do @thecontinent_. A excelente ilustração é da @WildWiseWynona. Recomendo :)