From AYF Olympics 2012 Special Issue
BOSTON, Mass.—Taleen Shahrigian made her Senior Olympics debut an auspicious one as she broke two records in the 800 and 1,600 meters, added a silver in her 3rd event, and gave notice of a promising future in years to come.
All that from a 16-year-old who knew her times were golden even before the gun fired and she took a step. It was only a matter of which record would be eclipsed and by how much.
The 1,600 came first as she blew out the field after the second lap. Included in the carnage was Mary Najarian of Providence, the previous record-holder in 2009. Taleen’s time of 5:17.5 was 7 seconds faster. Mary ran four years for the University of Rhode Island, graduating in 2011.
Taleen had just surpassed that time a month before in the Juniors, so it was déjà vu for the youngster.
Next up was the 800 meters and that went by the boards just as swiftly by 3 seconds with a time of 2:25. There to congratulate her was the previous setter Shooshan (Kassabian) Tutunjian, who set that standard 33 years ago in 1979.
Once again, if comparisons are in order, Taleen had that record engraved in Juniors.
“Nancy Gavoor brought her over to me for a photo and it was very special to see this,” Taleen said. “Being with two very prominent AYF athletes will always be memorable. More than anything, I hope to accomplish what these two great women did over their careers.”
Could Taleen become the greatest ever, given her supreme effort this Olympics? A bit premature to say at this time. She’s had plenty of company throughout the AYF archives.
The last twin record in these events was recorded in 1976 by Robin Avedisian, also from Detroit, who ran a 2:34.4 in the 880 and 5:51.2 for the mile.
In 1978, Andrea Nranian, again a Detroiter, broke two dash records her first year as a much-touted 16-year-old. And she repeated that act again in 1979 in 2 other sprints in what appears to be the greatest back-to-back years ever. Andrea still has all 4 records in the 50, 100, 200, and 400, and is regarded as the best female sprinter ever.
Detroit’s Caroline Arakelian broke two records in swimming during her debut a year ago. And let’s not forget Stephen Tutunjian’s two records in 2010 in the jumping events.
Another with 2 marks, though not together, is Granite City’s Michelle Hagopian in golf (41) and discus (105’2”), as well as Lynne Tutunjian in the 25 free and 50 breaststroke, with times of 12.37 and 34.8.
Detroit’s Nancy Gavoor was also a double record-buster in her debut, but those marks have since been surpassed.
Detroit’s Raffi Karapetian has three records in the pool. Two were set in 1991 during the 50 free and 50 breast his initial year, adding the 100 free 7 years later.
As the wheel turns, so will Taleen Shahrigian. After emerging as high scorer all six years in Juniors, she’s ready to rewrite the Senior books. She conquered the 50, 100, and 200 before switching gears to the 400, 800, and 1,600. She appears to be the “real deal.”
As long as she’s been running for Detroit, the Juniors have never lost. Finishing fourth this year after a conquest last year proves unacceptable in the Senior ranks. When they rebuild for 2014, look for the “K-T” kids to bounce back as Olympic hosts, especially with guys like Armen Derderian, Alex Sarafian, and Mike Kazarian behind them coaching and recruiting. And Taleen leading the assault.
“I’m disappointed I wasn’t a high scorer but I have my whole career in front of me,” she notes. “I’ll be around. My goal is to help Detroit win back the Cup.”
Taleen is a junior at Northville High where she runs track and cross country, and is ranked third in the state. She’s been to state finals the last couple of years. Recently, she took 2nd place in a field of 250 girls at a Detroit Invitational, losing to someone who’s ranked 1st in the country and holds the national record.
She has the school record for cross country and 4×800 relay. Scholastically, she’s got a perfect 4.0 GPA, National and Spanish Honor Societies, and is involved in community projects. Taleen is looking into a physical fitness career and hopes to run in college when the time comes.
Olympic veterans may know her dad. David Shahrigian was a dynamic pentathlete for Detroit, best remembered for denying Rich Chebookjian the all-time scoring title his final year in 1984, finishing with 82 points. Now, he’s back with his daughter and son Armen, who’s a year older, with Aram, 13, and Tamar, 11, waiting in the wings.
The Shahrigians are about to make some more noise at these games.
Tom Vartabedian
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