The President of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee Vessela Letcheva attended the ceremony at Dondukov 2, where Rumen Radev awarded the Presidential Badge of Honour, as well as plaques and diplomas to prominent Bulgarian athletes and coaches for their excellent results in alpine skiing and snowboarding.
This season was extremely successful for the athletes of the Bulgarian Ski Federation. Radoslav Yankov recorded a victory and third place in the World Cup. 15-year-old Malena Zamfirova won two silver and one gold medal at the World Championships for juniors, as well as second place in the World Cup. Her brother Tervel Zamfirov left his name in the golden history of Bulgarian sport with a championship title in men’s snowboarding, as well as three gold medals from the World Junior Championships.
In alpine skiing, Albert Popov won his first victory in 45 years, triumphing in Madonna di Campiglio.
“Our skiers and snowboarders are sending a very strong season. The Head of State’s recognition comes at an important time – less than a year before the Milan/Cortina Olympic Games. What we wished for them is to be in the Hall of Arms again next year, but before that we will listen to the Bulgarian anthem in Italy. The victories of these outstanding young people are an incentive for the whole nation and show that effort and perseverance are rewarded,” said Vessela Letcheva.
She spoke to the athletes and their coaches, who told her how their training will develop leading up to the Games.
“It’s great that after Radoslav Yankov, Malena and Tervel are coming. Thus, the national team will have an alloy of experience and youth, which is important for the future development of the leading athletes. Albert Popov’s victory is also very valuable. It will further motivate him for his most important competition next year, but it will also give him peace of mind, the mental barrier will fall, because he is already part of the history of Bulgarian sport,” added Vessela Letcheva.
