No excuses: "Your life - it's your choice" - an interview with the conqueror of Mount Elbrus Semyon Radaev
A Life Inspiration / / December 19, 2019
Remember Eric Veyenmayera? Yes, the same blind mountaineer who conquered seven highest mountain peaks. We talked about it in the framework of the special project "There are no excuses." Eric said: "Many people say they go to the mountains because of the beautiful views. All this is nonsense. You will not endure the hardships <...> only because of the beautiful pictures. I think the person goes to the mountains for the acquisition of sense. "
When I asked Semyon Radaeva, simple guy from Saransk, why he went to the mountains, he said: "I wanted to set an example for his son." But, in my opinion, Simon became an example for all of us, because he has conquered the highest European mountain peak, being confined to a wheelchair.
The power of the spirit, a real man, and life choices - in an interview with Semyon.
Sport
- Hello, Simon! I am pleased to welcome you on the pages Layfhakera.
- Hello, Anastasia! Thank you for inviting.
- Tell me where you were born and studied?
- He was born in Saransk, there went to school. I was a good student, left school without triples. Entered the Pedagogical Institute - Education I am a teacher of physical education and life safety.
My family is absolutely simple: my mother worked in a factory, my father - the driver. I have three older sisters, so that by modern standards, a large family.
- And no yard partying, bad companies?
- From all of these "street problems," the sport saved me. I have always been sports: engaged in basketball, volleyball, skating, went to the pool. Until the fifth grade tossed between sports clubs: it was interesting to try everything. And then I came football coach and offered to try to drive the ball.
Since then, I began to seriously engage in football. After graduating from junior sports school played for Mordovia "lighting fixtures." Up until the accident.
Back
- That is in the school to work after graduation you did not go?
- At that time I already had a wife and son, and the teacher's salary is poor. We had to support his family. I received a salary and bonus, playing football, was a graduate student - received a small stipend, as well as in the construction of the Sabbat. In the summer of 2007, having gone on vacation at the institute, I got a job as a sales representative: traveled across Mordovia times per day could nakolesit 800 km.
- One of these trips and was fatal?
- Yes. Jobs sales rep pretty exhausting morning got behind the wheel and on all day. And I just got right - did not have enough experience. July 10 I went back to the office, taking the revenue in one of the stores, fell asleep at the wheel and went off the road.
... I woke up - the car away and the phone rings. I tried to crawl to him, but hell back ached. A man (can not remember his face) found a phone, dialed a number, which I dictated.
- Who did you call?
- I called his sister and said that he had an accident and broke his spine.
- You're so immediately realized what had happened?
- The back is very ill and could not move his legs. Although, of course, such a deep knowledge, as now, I was not there. I did not know how serious it is, that it is connected with the spinal cord. Just very back ached.
- And then what? Hospitals, rehabilitation?
- Yes, the ambulance arrived, took me first to the district hospital, then transferred to Saransk, there underwent surgery. A month later he was released and began rehabilitation.
Six months engaged in the house, wearing a corset, and then started to train a doctor, go to a rehabilitation center.
- Psychologically it was hard?
- When the accident occurred, I was 25. Yesterday you ran, and now skate in a wheelchair - it is difficult to accept. But I was lucky - the family and friends were there. Depression that lasts for weeks when you do not want to eat or drink, I did not. There were times when I just wanted to be alone.
Elbrus
- Simon, do you think, who is the real man?
- This is a responsible person, you can rely on in which you are sure that will not fail.
- This is you in the "Sparta" learned?
(«Sparta"- a nationwide movement whose goal is personal growth of the participants brought up in their true masculinity. - approx. author)
- "Sparta" this definitely helped. Their psychophysical training really help to become a real man. It all starts with the release of their comfort zone. At home you do something, then an inner voice tells you: "Dude, you're tired, let's get some rest!" - and you obey. On the "Spartan" training, no matter how much inner voice or sabotage you, you must perform all of the exercises. As a result, you realize that your physical and mental capabilities are much broader than you think. After that change the outlook and attitude to life.
- What do you think, why in our society there is a need in clubs like "Sparta"?
- Modern man often too soft. And for several reasons. Firstly, a large number of divorces, as a consequence - the boys, sons, educate women. Second, people do not feel the need for development: do not engage in sports, do not think that is in their character and way of life is not so. "Sparta" forces to reconsider their attitude to yourself, family, career.
- As far as I know, it is in "Sparta" you offered to conquer Elbrus?
- Yes, I proposed to the founder of the project Anton Rudanov.
- Why you? After all, he surely knew what responsibility takes over?
- I do not know, you need to ask him. :) But I can assume that my mission was the fact that other members of the expedition, looking at me, did not allow themselves to give up. Because my sample had once inspired the guys are trained with me. They have seen how I do the exercises, and stretched forward.
- How did you prepare for the ascent?
- I do not know what is waiting for me in the mountains. I knew only what was necessary equipment. She helped me, "Spartans" to collect, and the sleigh gave company that manufactures wheelchairs. Physical training was that I went to the gym, swimming, and also traveled to the ski tracks.
- How close have reacted to your decision to go to the mountains?
- Fine. They've learned that I'm an active life. Before that I was jumping rope with a 57-meter-high (something like bungee), so that the news that I was going to Elbrus, did not cause a shock.
- What was the most difficult in the mountains from both the physical and psychological points of view?
- Physically, it was difficult, in principle, be there. I've never been in the mountains. Headaches, lack of oxygen, poor sleep, discomfort. Work on the sled, too, was not easy. The benefit of the guys helped. And emotionally it was hard to get down.
- Why?
- Because when you go up, you have a goal. Climbing takes a lot of energy, but rising, you feel literally "king of the hill." And then comes the realization that still need to go down there and the way back will require no less effort. It would be desirable if by magic to be home.
The expedition consisted of 80 people, we were divided into groups and subgroups were different rates. And during the descent more than once I have seen people from other groups, are ready to give all the money, as long as they descended on a snowmobile.
A real man
- Vysotsky sang once: "I myself have already proved everything - better than mountains can be only mountains." And what do you imagine proved conquered Mount Elbrus?
- Nothing. I can not say that, having conquered Mount Elbrus, I proved to myself that I am very strong. I used a cloth was not. I had another purpose.
I wanted to be an example for my son. Wanted to look at me, he loved sports and an active lifestyle.
Because earlier he had no desire for this, I had to force him to attend training. Now he is coming to this more responsibly.
- What else do you like to teach his son?
- To be very honest with yourself and other people, respect the people to show kindness and love to friends and family. All these features really needed a man. I very much hope that I can bring them to his son.
I am in this world to make it better
- Simon, besides climbing Elbrus, in the bank of your achievements have the title of Mordovia champion in swimming. Are you planning to go to the Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro?
- I plan to win it. After the injury, I was wondering if I can swim. I tried to - happen. Now my goal - to be selected to the national team and win Paralympic gold. Daily workouts gradually lead me to that goal.
- And in the mountains even go?
- If it is possible, yes.
- Our project is called "No excuses." What is not to look for any excuses for Seeds Radaeva?
- Do not feel sorry for yourself. Life goes on and it's a very cool thing. Excuses, something to do, and everyone can not necessarily be in a wheelchair. But then, life is passing, without vivid emotions and impressions.
Each for himself chooses: to make excuses and lie on the couch, sit time on the Internet or do something useful.
I am in this world to make it better. I really want to be remembered not only my grandchildren, but also the great-grandchildren of my grandchildren. :) Your life - it's your choice.
- Do nothing predestined?
- Not.
- That is your fault - it is also your choice?
- Yes. More precisely, it is the result of the choice that I made a little earlier. I chose to work sales representative by region, being an inexperienced driver. Could I suggest that it is fraught with stresses and emergencies on the road? Could!
Accidents are not accidental. For example, I have always been interested in sport, after the injury I started to look for a place where I can do. Chose one adaptive sports club, where he met with the guys that brought me to sail... The choice depends on the result. It's like a jigsaw puzzle, but the pattern is always formed the one that you see.
- Simon, the last covet anything Layfhakera readers.
Life is given once. Live it full and that in old age was to tell grandchildren. Put high goals and achieve them. Live aimlessly - it is ingratitude. And, no matter what the circumstances, do not be discouraged - challenges make you stronger.
- Thanks for the interview! It was really interesting!
- Mutually! :)