BulgariaBiography
Arguably greatest Bulgarian athlete of all-time. Olympic champion, world record holder, seven time world champion.
As a hugely talented youngster, she competed first flobal competition in 1984 Prague at the 'alternative Olympics' for boycotting Nations, Friendship Games, was finished fourth. One year later, secured first global medal in Paris Bercy in World Indoor Games, where starts Kostadinova's successive gold medal series. In 25 May 1986, she equalled her compatriot Lyudmila Andonova's world record (2.07) in Sofia, but broke it just one week later by one centimeter.
Her iconic moment was in Rome Olympic Stadium back in 30 August 1987 during second World Athletics Championships. Rivalling with Tamara Bykova, defending world champion from Soviet Union at the high jump final, she thumbled first at 2.04 metres. Bykova cleared that height at first attempt, but Kostadinova only passed it on final one. But next height at 2.06, the Bulgarian swept it in second jump while Bykova failed twice. Bykova raised bar to 2.08 for her final jump as she failed once. With the guaranteed gold medal, Kostadinova came for world record at 2.09 and cleared this height in second attempt. Her world record is still remains.
Kostadinova frequently contested in indoor events during her career. She won five World, four European Indoor titles and finally got the Olympic gold which eluded her until 1996. Competed as a mother, she clinched Olympic gold with the event record in Atlanta Games.
Here are the world record which she broke in her illustrous career:
2.07 - Sofia, 25 May 1986 (equalling WR)
2.08 - Sofia, 31 May 1986
2.09 - Rome, 30 Aug 1987
2.05 (i) - Indianapolis, 8 Mar 1987
2.06 (i) - Pireaus, 20.02.1988
TRIVIA
♦ Married to her coach, Nikolay Petrov. Son, Nikolay (b.1995). Divorced in 1999.
♦ Became Bulgarian Olympic Committee President in 2005, subsequently after short while vice-presidency.
♦ Also served as Bulgarian Athletics Federation vice presidency.
♦ Her 2-metres cleared competition number is: 197
♦ Inducted to IAAF Hall of Fame in 13 October 2012.
♦ Elected four-times (1985, 87, 95, 96) Bulgarian Sports person of the year, a record for most win.
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Text by Sevket F. Erbay