Born: 1973 (Sofia, Bulgaria)
Biography:
Rumyana Neykova, born on 6 April 1973 in Sofia, Bulgaria, is a prominent figure in the world of rowing. Her remarkable achievements and dedication to her sport have made her one of Bulgaria’s most successful athletes.
Neykova’s journey in rowing began in 1985 when she joined the CSKA Sofia rowing team under the guidance of coach Verka Aleksieva. She quickly displayed her talent and potential, and in 1989, she became the vice-world junior champion. The following year, she claimed the world junior champion title, marking the beginning of her illustrious career.
In the subsequent years, Neykova explored various boat classes, competing in women’s doubles and quadruples, but it was in the Single Sculls discipline that she found her true calling. Her determination and relentless training paid off when she clinched her first medal at the 1999 world championships in Canada.
The pinnacle of Neykova’s career came at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney, where she narrowly missed out on the gold medal to Ekaterina Karsten of Belarus in a controversial judges’ decision. Undeterred, Neykova took a one-year break after the Olympics to give birth to her son, Emil, who would later follow in his parents’ footsteps and become a successful rower himself.
In the subsequent Olympic Games, Neykova showcased her unwavering resolve and unwavering spirit. At the Athens Olympics in 2004, she claimed the bronze medal in the Single Sculls event, finishing behind Katrin Rutschow-Stomporowski of Germany and Karsten. To further demonstrate her versatility in the sport, Neykova also competed in the Double Sculls event at the 2005 world championships, where she secured a commendable second-place finish alongside Miglena Markova.
However, it was at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing that Neykova truly left her mark on rowing history. Going head-to-head with her long-standing rival Karsten and Michelle Guerette of the United States, Neykova emerged victorious, securing the gold medal in Women’s Single Sculls. With this triumph, Neykova completed her collection of Olympic medals, with a silver, a bronze, and a gold.
Neykova’s success is not only a testament to her exceptional skill and perseverance but also to the unwavering support she receives from her husband and coach, Svilen Neykov, as well as her family. Neykova has repeatedly expressed her gratitude to them for their unwavering belief in her abilities.
Outside of her Olympic triumphs, Neykova has also achieved significant milestones in her career. In 2002, she established the world’s best time of 7:07:41 on 21 September in Seville, Spain. This outstanding accomplishment earned her multiple accolades, including being named Bulgarian Sportswoman of the Year and FISA Female Rower of the Year.
Throughout her career, Neykova’s achievements have had a profound impact on the sport of rowing and have inspired countless individuals, both in Bulgaria and around the world. Her dedication, resilience, and unwavering pursuit of excellence have solidified her status as a role model and a trailblazer in women’s rowing history.
Awards:
– Olympic Gold Medal in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing
– Olympic Bronze Medal in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens
– Olympic Silver Medal in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney
– World Champion in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2003 World Rowing Championships in Milan
– World Champion in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2002 World Rowing Championships in Seville
– World Silver Medal in Women’s Single Sculls at the 2007 World Rowing Championships in Gifu
– Bulgarian Sportswoman of the Year (Year not specified)
– FISA Female Rower of the Year (Year not specified)