Born: 1968 (Stara Zagora, Bulgaria)
Biography:
Ivanka Koleva (Bulgarian: ) is a Paralympian track and field athlete from Bulgaria who is best known for her remarkable achievements in throwing events. Born on December 9, 1968, Koleva has made a significant impact on the world of para-sport, representing her country at four Summer Paralympics from 2000 to 2012. Throughout her career, she has displayed exceptional talent and determination, earning numerous accolades and becoming a role model for aspiring athletes.
Koleva’s journey in sports began in 1985 when she took up para-sport out of curiosity in her hometown of Stara Zagora. Despite facing physical challenges, she quickly discovered her passion and talent for throwing events. In 1994, she showcased her skills on the international stage at the IPC Athletics World Championships in Berlin. She emerged as the world champion in the discus throw and also claimed the bronze medal in the javelin.
Continuing her success, Koleva achieved further acclaim at the 1998 World Championships in Birmingham. She secured the silver medal in the shot put, solidifying her position as a formidable competitor in the sport. Koleva’s dedication and achievements led to her selection for the 2000 Summer Paralympic Games in Sydney.
At the 2000 Paralympics, Koleva competed in both the discus throw and shot put events with classifications F58 and F57, respectively. It was in the shot put that she truly shined, winning the coveted gold medal with an impressive throw of 7.85 meters. This triumph marked a significant milestone in Koleva’s career and showcased her exceptional talent and determination.
Over the course of the next three Summer Paralympics, Koleva continued to represent Bulgaria, participating in various field athletics events. Despite her unwavering dedication and efforts, she was unable to replicate her initial success in Sydney. However, it is important to note that the merging of her event with other classification athletes on a points basis significantly broadened the pool of competition, presenting a new set of challenges.
In addition to her Paralympic success, Koleva has also been a consistent presence in the IPC World Championships. From 1994 to 2015, she competed in every edition of the championship, exemplifying her commitment to the sport and her country. In 2016, she further showcased her skills by participating in the 2016 European Games in Grosseto. It was here that Koleva achieved a season’s best throw of 8.50 meters, securing her first major international gold medal in 16 years.
Throughout her career, Ivanka Koleva has proven to be a true inspiration and role model for young athletes, especially those facing physical challenges. Her tenacity, resilience, and unwavering determination have allowed her to overcome adversity and achieve remarkable success in the world of para-sport. Koleva’s impact extends far beyond the boundaries of her own achievements, as she has played a significant role in shaping women’s history in sports, demonstrating the power of perseverance and breaking down barriers for future generations.
Awards:
– Gold Medal in Shot Put – 2000 Summer Paralympics (Sydney)
– Gold Medal in Discus Throw – 1994 IPC Athletics World Championships (Berlin)
– Silver Medal in Shot Put – 1998 IPC Athletics World Championships (Birmingham)