Meet the 102‑Year‑Old Hero Who Beat Both Nazis and COVID
Nikolai Bagayev: A Lifetime of Stunts
Why Nikolai is a legend in Korolyov, the brave elder from Russia’s outskirts, was a frontline soldier in 1941 and survived the cold‑steel battles of Moscow. Another punch in the chest in 2021 from Covid‑19 didn’t stop him—he leaves the hospital with his lungs still breathing, and a new story of resilience to tell.
| Age | 102 |
| Pulmonary Status | 80% lung damage (but fighting hard) |
| Hospital Stay | More than a month: 1 week in ICU |
| Discharge Day | July 22, 2025 |
From the Front Lines to the ICU
“The last time I faced death was on the battlefield back in 1941,” Bagayev told Reuters. “Back then, the right lung was hit during the battle for Moscow. I was young, healing was quick.” With old age hitting fast, the second near‑fatal encounter began with the virus. Doctors, nurses, and his own grit nudged him through a tough struggle.
“Once again, I wasn’t alone—my doctors were my lifeline, even when I’d almost lost hope,” he says, and he’s extremely thankful for that support.
Victory Parade Hero Likewise in Modern Times
Just last May, Bagayev marched in the annual Victory Day parade—Red Square, flanked by President Putin—sporting a medal‑laden uniform. “It was hard, but I felt the doctors’ courage and shared it with them,” he recounts.
He’s now a reserve colonel, a title earned from decades of service, meaning that older veterans like him still carry the weight of military honor.
From Red Scaly Spaceship to Breath‑Tech
After the war, the hero moved to Kazakhstan, lending his skills to construct the Baikonur cosmodrome, the launchpad that sent the world’s first astronaut, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961.
During a recovery stint, Bagayev discovered a breathing ritual borrowed from Soviet cosmonauts. “It helped me inhale better, and my lungs finally regained their rhythm,” he notes. He’s thrilled to get back to walking without a cane.
Fighting for the Future Together
Bagayev remains active politically, aligning with the Russian Communist party. “I plan to help them campaign for the upcoming parliamentary elections in September,” he shares.
For now—before moving to any electoral strategy—his focus is simple: able to walk again without support. If he proves that, he might even attend the next victory parade, no certificate needed.
Takeaway for Us All
Nikolai Bagayev proves that the human spirit, a touch of humor, and a hearty dose of kindness from doctors can turn survival into a triumph. Onward he strides, proof that age is just a number and that the best weapons are compassion, resilience, and a light‑hearted laugh.
