Biography
Started: He took up the sport in 2010 at age 19 in Pavel Banya, Bulgaria. (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024, 23 Aug 2021)
Reason: He wanted to get involved in an activity that would make him stronger. During the rehabilitation from his accident he met Bulgarian Para athlete Daniela Todorova and her brother [and coach] Radostin Todorov. They encouraged him to take up the sport. "It was interesting when watching Para athletes training." (Athlete, 26 Aug 2024, 23 Aug 2021; bgdnes.bg, 10 Oct 2017)
Ambition: To become a two-time Paralympic Games gold medallist. (Athlete, 23 Aug 2021)
Milestones: He became the second male Bulgarian to win a Paralympic gold medal when he triumphed in the men's F55 shot put at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. (SportsDeskOnline, 02 Jul 2024)
Awards: In 2016, 2017 and 2018 he was named Male Para Athlete of the Year in Kazanlak, Bulgaria. (kazanlak.com, 15 Jan 2019; presstv.bg, 06 Feb 2018, 18 Jan 2017)
In 2016 and 2017 he was named Para Athlete of the Year in Bulgaria. He also received the 2016 Sports Icarus award from the Bulgarian Sports Foundation. (blitz.bg, 09 Jan 2018; gong.bg, 05 Dec 2016)
Frequently Asked Questions
Personal Details
GenderMale
Birth DateApril 14, 1991
Place of ResidenceGLODZHEVO
OccupationAthlete
Languages SpokenBulgarian, English, Turkish
CoachRadostin Todorov [club], BUL
Highlights
| Rank | Event | Year | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paralympic Games | ||||
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | 12.33 |
| 2 | Shot Put - F55 | 2020 | Tokyo, JPN | 12.23 |
| 6 | Discus Throw - F56 | 2016 | Rio de Janeiro, BRA | 38.04 |
| 11 | Men's Discus Throw F54/55/56 | 2012 | London, GBR | 30.47 |
| 15 | Men's Shot Put F54-56 | 2012 | London, GBR | 9.78 |
| NoM | Men's Javelin Throw F54/55/56 | 2012 | London, GBR | NoM |
| World Championships | ||||
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2024 | Kobe, JPN | 12.04 |
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2023 | Paris, FRA | 12.68 |
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2019 | Dubai, UAE | 12.25 |
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2017 | London, GBR | 12.47 |
| 1 | Shot Put - F55 | 2015 | Doha, QAT | 11.81 |
| 4 | Discus Throw - F56 | 2017 | London, GBR | 37.65 |
| 8 | Men's Javelin Throw F55 | 2015 | Doha, QAT | 25.39 |
| 9 | Discus Throw - F56 | 2015 | Doha, QAT | 34.74 |
| 9 | Men's Javelin Throw F54/55/56 | 2013 | Lyon, FRA | 26.35 |
| 9 | Men's Shot Put F54/55 | 2013 | Lyon, FRA | 9.91 |
| 12 | Men's Discus Throw F54/55/56 | 2013 | Lyon, FRA | 29.72 |
