#lalova

[rbirius]

To The Shore

[trackandfieldd]

[spikes-mag]

Ivet Lavola talks to SPIKES about her hero Stefka Kostadinova

Sorry, boys. The heart of Europe's fastest women Ivet Lalova belongs to someone else: Bulgarian high jump world record holder Stefka Kostadinova.

“I first remember Stefka when I was a kid, and my parent’s waking me up in the middle of the night to watch her compete in major competitions. I watched her on a small television in my parent’s house in the kitchen. I always felt so tense watching her jump. 

Stefka Kostadinova on her way to Olympic high jump gold in 1996

"Bulgaria is a small country, of only around seven million people, and I’ve got to know her well. I first met her when I was competing at the World Youth Championships in Debrecen in 2001. Even today she is amazing, the way she looks. She still looks in shape to jump 2.09m. I like the way Stefka is always so calm, whereas I’m more emotional.

"Today she is high up in Bulgarian sports politics facing a different challenge. She still speaks to me from time to time today. Every time I have a big result she rings me to send her congratulations. She has always been a huge support to me, particularly after I broke my leg. She taught me the value of patience.”

[spikes-mag]

Ivet Lalova wants to spice up athletics

European 100m champion and track pin-up Ivet Lalova wants to see more athletics in interesting places, and some very different kind of races.

"It is important, though, to make competition more spectacular. I’m definitely one for more street athletics. I always wanted to compete in the event in Manchester.

"I really like the fact the [Zurich] Diamond League meeting has the shot put held in the train station in the city centre. This is interesting. A new way of thinking and we should go in this direction.

"I also like the Australian event the Stawell Gift, which is a handicap event. We have seen athletes race a car or a horse many times, but taking the sport to the streets, and maybe having handicap street sprints, would really spice it up.”

[trackandfieldimage]

IVET LALOVA  , Bulgaria. #daegu2011 #trackandfield  #sprinter

photo by Jeff Cohen

Trackandfieldimage.com