Radoslav Yankov, who is visiting the IOC headquarters alongside Bulgarian Olympic Committee (BOC) President Vesela Lecheva and a Bulgarian delegation, signed the Olympians' Wall in Lausanne. In doing so, the snowboarder—who is a four-time Olympian and a member of the BOC Executive Board—became one of the few Bulgarians to leave their signature on the wall. Lecheva did the same last year, both in her capacity as the new BOC President and as a two-time Olympic medalist.
The Olympians' Wall is now located next to the office of IOC Chair Kirsty Coventry at Olympic House. Previously, Olympians signed on the floor below, but there is not a single centimeter of free space left there. The ceremony was attended by members of the Bulgarian delegation and IOC staff, as well as visitors to the building for whom this was part of the tour.
"It was a tremendous honor for me to be here and meet President Coventry. My heart was racing, as she is an Olympic champion who now holds such a high-ranking position. She welcomed us very warmly, and I had the honor of signing the wall as an Olympian who has competed in four Games," said Radoslav Yankov.
"I am moving forward toward the next Olympic Games. It was a tremendous thrill for me. I saw just how many top-level athletes were here. I am grateful to have been here and to have been given this opportunity; I feel privileged," added Yankov.
Radoslav Yankov also shared his impressions of the working meetings at the IOC.
"I learned a lot of interesting things. I realize that there are so many people behind elite sports and the Olympic movement. And the ultimate goal is to protect the athletes—so that we feel good, win medals, and represent our country," Yankov added.
"For us, as the new leadership of the Bulgarian Olympic Committee, having strong athlete representation is of utmost importance. During our meetings at the IOC, we saw just how vital it is for them to be part of the decision-making process. I am pleased that our Executive Board includes an active athlete—a four-time Olympian—who is eager to expand this level of participation," said Vesela Lecheva.
"The meetings in Lausanne were highly beneficial for our entire delegation, as we gained not only support but also a wealth of new ideas. We joke that we are leaving with a major 'homework assignment' that needs to be completed by the autumn," the BOC President added.
