January 19, 2022

The Russian Granny Made of Steel


The Russian Granny Made of Steel

"I have enough safety margin for a lot more. Nothing is impossible, even at such a venerable age. Take care of yourself, dear friends, and never be afraid of anything."

– Maria Koltakova, The "Steel Granny" of Belgorod

Self-proclaimed "Steel Granny" and veteran of World War II Maria Koltakova set a new record in the city of Belgorod this week: Koltakova stood on nails for 100 seconds in celebration of her 100th birthday.

This is not Koltakova's first rodeo in the record-making world, as she has set more than ten records in Russia, including those in parachuting, scuba diving, and even riding along with a biker club that goes by the name of "Night Wolves."

While Koltakova's records are encouraging to us all, it is really her heroic acts during World War II that truly show her indestructible, and steel-like ambition for life. Koltakova fought in the Battle of Kursk, was part of the liberation of over a dozen cities, and carried many wounded out of the battlefield. because of her heroic deeds she was awarded several medals and has been venerated for her courage and military merit.

 

You Might Also Like

Women Combat Aviators of the Patriotic War
  • August 08, 2000

Women Combat Aviators of the Patriotic War

Told that the Rodina was not in so bad a shape that she needed girls to protect her, these future heroes were sent home to their mothers.  Soon, they were called back and became a crucial element in the protection of their homeland and victory over Nazi Germany.
Don't Know Russian Jack?
  • January 09, 2022

Don't Know Russian Jack?

One of the earliest residents of Anchorage, Alaska, was a Russian guy with a larger-than-life personality.
Celebrate Life (#TBT)
  • June 04, 2020

Celebrate Life (#TBT)

In these difficult times, let’s celebrate life. Specifically, five Russians (from a diplomat to an conductor to an activist) who happen to share today, June 4, as their birthday.  
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

How Russia Got That Way
September 20, 2025

How Russia Got That Way

A fast-paced crash course in Russian history, from Norsemen to Navalny, that explores the ways the Kremlin uses history to achieve its ends.

Steppe
July 15, 2022

Steppe

This is the work that made Chekhov, launching his career as a writer and playwright of national and international renown. Retranslated and updated, this new bilingual edition is a super way to improve your Russian.

Bears in the Caviar
May 01, 2015

Bears in the Caviar

Bears in the Caviar is a hilarious and insightful memoir by a diplomat who was “present at the creation” of US-Soviet relations. Charles Thayer headed off to Russia in 1933, calculating that if he could just learn Russian and be on the spot when the US and USSR established relations, he could make himself indispensable and start a career in the foreign service. Remarkably, he pulled it of.

A Taste of Chekhov
December 24, 2022

A Taste of Chekhov

This compact volume is an introduction to the works of Chekhov the master storyteller, via nine stories spanning the last twenty years of his life.

Murder and the Muse
December 12, 2016

Murder and the Muse

KGB Chief Andropov has tapped Matyushkin to solve a brazen jewel heist from Picasso’s wife at the posh Metropole Hotel. But when the case bleeds over into murder, machinations, and international intrigue, not everyone is eager to see where the clues might lead.

93 Untranslatable Russian Words
December 01, 2008

93 Untranslatable Russian Words

Every language has concepts, ideas, words and idioms that are nearly impossible to translate into another language. This book looks at nearly 100 such Russian words and offers paths to their understanding and translation by way of examples from literature and everyday life. Difficult to translate words and concepts are introduced with dictionary definitions, then elucidated with citations from literature, speech and prose, helping the student of Russian comprehend the word/concept in context.

About Us

Russian Life is the 31-year-old publication of an award-winning publishing house that also creates books, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955