Didn’t Take Credit
After rescuing those people from the drowning bus there was no news about it. Shavarsh didn’t care about the publicity and was happy that he could help the people in need with his talent he was gifted with. He took his time to recover from the incident and was eagerly waiting to resume his training. But destiny had some other plans for him. He wasn’t getting better…
He Wasn’t Getting Better
But why wasn’t he recovering? The doctor found out that while his heroic attempt saved those people that day, his lungs paid the cost. It seemed like he bargained his health for their lives. Because of the subzero temperatures of the water and the blood loss, it weakened his immune system. The contaminated lake water gave him lung sepsis. The situation wasn’t looking good for Shavarsh which was really risky for his life.
He Retired
The episode was now a month old and Shavarsh was back in the pool training. Looking at the mirror he could tell that the episode has changed him. In the end, he retired and started his new life. Now he was the coach looking for the same talent like him in the crowd of hundreds of children. It was his turn to give something back to the community. Though he couldn’t continue his training still he never regrets the decision of saving so many lives that day. He said he would do it again!
A Newspaper Wrote About Him
The incident was in the past now and didn’t get any publicity of which Shavarsh had no desire in the first place. He didn’t save all those people for publicity. But a local newspaper heard about the heroic actions of Shavarsh from one of the local and they decided to do a piece about the story. The story was out and people read about an ex-swimmer who risked his life to save 20 people. The medals started to pour in for his deed.
His Own Asteroid
Because the Soviet Government didn’t acknowledge his efforts, it was local officials and people who took the charge to honor his actions. An Armenian astronomer, who read the story in the newspaper was determined to honor his efforts. He did the most amazing thing when he renamed an asteroid he had found in Shavarsh’s honor.
A Great Man
Shavarsh who was being showered with affection, publicity, and appreciation from everywhere didn’t let it go over his head. “A man can find himself somewhere people need his help. I am not an exception,” said Shavarsh in an interview. A former star athlete and a heroic rescuer finally got what he deserved.