site.btaBulgarian Rowers Desislava Angelova, Kristian Vasilev Qualify to Single Scull Quarterfinals at Paris Olympics

Bulgarian rower Kristian Vasilev qualified for the quarterfinals of the men's single scull at the Paris Olympics on Saturday. He covered the 2,000-meter distance in the sixth heat with a second-best time of 6:56.63 in the rain on the rowing channel. He was beaten only by Tokyo 2020 Olympics fourth-placed rower Sverri Nielsen (Denmark).

After the race, Vassilev said he had achieved his first goal by qualifying for the quarterfinals. They are scheduled for July 30.

"I am happy that the goal of top 3 has been achieved. I am not satisfied with the rowing, I can do better, but the first start is generally more nervous. I hope to be more relaxed and row better in the next ones," he said.

Bulgaria's women's representative in this sport, Desislava Angelova, also qualified for the quarterfinals of the single scull rowing tournament at the Paris 2024 Games.

The 26-year-old made a successful Olympic debut, overcoming the 2,000m distance with controlled rowing and a second time of 7:42.73 minutes in the fifth heat. She was beaten only by European vice-champion Alexandra Foester (GER).