Although the history of rowing in Bulgaria can be traced back to
the mid-seventh century, the sport became popular after the end
of the 500-year period of Ottoman rule. In the late nineteenth century,
rowing became part of the formal training of the Bulgarian Navy
and the first rowing competition was held between students of the
Naval Academy. This marked the beginning of competitive rowing in
Bulgaria.
With the founding of athletic clubs in Varna, Russe, and Veliko Turnovo from 1889-1892, and navy athletic leagues from 1920-1924, the popularity of rowing spread rapidly over Bulgaria making it a favorite sport.
On August 19, 1924, in the seaside town of Bourgas, the first official national regatta triggering an interest in rowing took place. The end of World War II was the start of an official national championship. Bulgaria became a member of FISA in 1955 and a year later Bulgarian rowers made their debut at the European Championships in Bled with remarkable performances in the men's pair with coxswain and men's single. Bulgarian rowing gained international recognition at the 1967 European Championships in Vichy, France with victories in women's quadruple sculls with coxswain and the men's double sculls.
Although rowing in Bulgaria has had to undergo significant changes due to the economic and political changes in early 1990's, it continues to be a leading power in the international arena. Rowing in Bulgaria enjoys tremendous popularity and is equally appreciated by men and women. Every year scouts recruit many teenagers giving them the opportunity to develop their talent with the help of highly qualified coaches and excellent training facilities.
ROWING PERSONALITIES
Svetla Otzetova and Zdravka Yordanova: Olympic gold medallists in 1972 and World Championship bronze medallists in 1980 in the women's double sculls.
DID YOU KNOW?
Magdalena Georgieva: World Champion in 1987 and 1988 Olympic bronze medallist
in the women's single scull.
Siya Kelbecheva and Stoyanka Gruicheva: Olympic Champions in the women's pair in 1976 and 1980.
Violeta Nonova and Stefka Madina: World Champions in 1987 and 1988 Olympic bronze medallists in the women's double sculls.
Vassil Radev: 1987 World Champion in the men's double sculls.
Today, Bulgaria is proud to be represented by some of the strongest scullers in the world: Rumyana Neikova (W1x), Victoria Dimitrova (LW1x) and Ivo Yanakiev (M1x).
REGIONS
Population: 8,000,000 Capital City: Sofia Regions: 28
Bulgaria is a charming country in the Balkan Peninsula, tucked in the far southeast corner of Europe, bordering Romania to the North, Serbia and Macedonia to the West, Greece and Turkey to the South and the Black Sea to the East. Rowing has always enjoyed tremendous popularity throughout the country and can be practiced in the many man-made canals, lakes and rivers. The most prominent rowing centers are in Sofia, Plovdiv, Russe and Varna.
Due to the mild continental climate, rowing is possible from March through November with the exception of regions at high elevation. Plovdiv, Bulgaria has one of the most modern rowing facilities in the world. The Olympic, man-made rowing canal hosts numerous national and international events.
