site.btaAthlete Ivan Vezyuv Wins Bulgaria's First Gold Medal at Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin

Athlete Ivan Vezyuv has won a gold medal in the 100m cross-country skiing event at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. Asya Todorova and Darina Bogdanova each claimed silver medals in the same discipline, in different divisions.

"I am very proud of this achievement. I know that I represent Bulgaria, Bansko, and all athletes like me. It was difficult and exhausting, but we made it. This is the second time I have participated in the Special Olympics World Games, and I was aware of the many challenges," Vezyuv said.

Asya Todorova, 34, and Ivan Vezyuv, 24, are both from Bansko (Southwestern Bulgaria) and were trained by coach Elena Durchova. Their preparation for the Special Olympics in Turin was supported by Bansko Mayor Stoycho Banenski, his team, and Ulen AD.

Darina Bogdanova, 16, from Sofia, studies and trains in Samokov under the guidance of Krasimir Matikanov from the Alexander Logistics Sports Club.

Anton Hidzhov, national cross-country skiing coach at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin, expressed his pleasure with the success. He said that the competition had been tough, with all the athletes motivated to perform their best. "This did not discourage our athletes. On the contrary, it motivated them even more to show the world what they are capable of," he added.