site.btaIvet Lalova-Collio:"I Feel Joy, Happiness.We Will See about Paris"

OL 10:44:01 02-08-2021
MT1043OL.106
106 SPORTS - TOKYO 2020 - IVET LALOVA-COLLIO

Ivet Lalova-Collio:
"I Feel Joy, Happiness.
We Will See about Paris"


Tokyo, August 2 (BTA special correspondent Dimiter Velyov) - Bulgarian athlete Ivet Lalova-Collio said she was extremely happy and satisfied to have participated in her fifth Olympics, unlike any other Bulgarian track and field athlete. The 37-year-old sprinter finished 31st on Monday in the 200-metre event in Tokyo with a personal seasonal best of 23.39 seconds, just 24 hundredths short of reaching the semifinals.

After the event, Lalova-Collio raised a hand with her five fingers spread, symbolizing her fifth Olympics, and was overwhelmed with emotions.

"I was so happy to participate in my fifth Olympics, as there were moments when I thought it would be impossible, what with the pandemic and the difficult season that I've had, and the injury in May. My fifth Olympics looked like a mirage. That is why over the past five years I have often adapted my goals for Tokyo 2020. The fact that I have competed in five Olympic Games is an achievement that warms my heart," Lalova-Collio said, adding that her participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics is yet to be decided.

RI/MT
/МТ/