The New World, August 11-17, 2006, translated courtesy of George Adamovich

ABOUT

He could compete with even Chingakook. And it’s not clear who would come out on top! David Adamovich, the first American to be in the Book of Records of Russia and the Association of Russian Records. In 1.5 seconds he was able to throw against a wooden board with a female assistant. Only the hero Fennimore Cooper would risk such a thing. David converted this into a show, which he successfully performed on many stages of New York and well-known nightclubs. Just a short time ago he showed his accomplishments in Moscow. Surely, his grandfather who left Russia in 1913 might suggest that the return of his grandson, born in a new world, to the home of his ancestors would take such a turn.

IN RUSSIA

Q: What does a doctor of physiology, a knife thrower, a culinary professional, a circus performer and a person who officiates marriages have in common?

A: A passion for life. At times I’m interested in one thing and then another and then a third. Life is so varied and varied interests attract me and that can go on without end. I get pleasure when dreams come true. For instance, when I was a child I wanted to run away with the circus but that only came to pass when I was in my fifties.

Q: How did your delayed escape come about?

A: Some specialists from The Stars of the Moscow State Circus saw me performing here in America and asked me to join their traveling show in the southern part of the United States. I bought a motor home and was off to “join the circus.” Unfortunately we were interrupted by the hurricanes that swept Florida.

Q: You have a Russian assistant. American girls do not want the risk of going under the knife?

A: I like how she works. Ekaterina is a former acrobat and we understand each other very well.

Q: Do you understand Russian?

A: Unfortunately no. I do not have the ability for languages other than English. I don’t know Russian even though my grandfather was from Russia.

Q: Those who see your show with The Wheel of Death say that it’s an event not for the faint-of-heart.

A: Many people in various countries like to watch it.

Q: How did you wind up in Russia?

A: I received an invitation from the Association of Russian Records and International Club of Records, Interstrong, to take part in setting a record for the Book of Records of Russia in the category of foreign citizen. It was suggested that at the same time I would beat my world record in the fastest knife throwing, 75 around a live assistant in one minute. The first try at the record was on the first day after my arrival from New York and Ekaterina and I were not able to adapt to the new time zone and to train in a new place. I succeeded in throwing 72 knives and that seemed sufficient for the Book of Records for Russia. Simultaneously that result was registered with Guinness World Records as Interstrong had the right to conduct a Guinness event/show.

Q: In all this is testified to by diploma on the first of April?

A: Yes, that’s true. My performance was on Russian and ‘”American TV.

Q: And did anyone of the audience decide to take the place of your assistant?

A: There were some brave people. Even the host of a leading television channel did and it was shown during a live performance on TV.

Q: What did you like most about the homeland of your ancestors?

A: Russian women. None others compare. Moscow is a beautiful city and of course I couldn’t pass up a visit to the Moscow State Circus. In one week I succeeded in learning about Russian restaurants.

Q: And you are also an expert in culinary arts and cooking?

A: Yes, I completed culinary school and am also a vegetarian but at times I treat my guests to delicacies that I wouldn’t normally eat. Personally I like Japanese, Chinese and Thai cooking.

Q: They say that you also have the ability to make people happy?

A: Yes, I have the license to conduct marriage ceremonies and I really try to make the newly wed happy. I had the opportunity to officiate over ceremonies on water skis and while jogging and in a Jacuzzi, on a sale boat, and even at a cemetery during the Halloween holiday.

Q: You also had an unusual wedding yourself?

A: Yes, I was married under the sky on the Great Wall of China.

Q: How does your wife react to your activities?

A: She knows that a new ideas pop up with my suddenly and that in the beginning she was cautious but now she always supports me. I think that she would become bored if I stopped amazing her.