Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

First Olympic gold for Bulgaria from Paris 2024

Semen Novikov outperforms his opponent
Photo: BGNES

Bulgaria has its first Olympic champion from the Olympic Games in Paris. Wrestler Semen Novikov won the final against Iranian opponent Alireza Mohmadipiani in men’s 87kg Greco-Roman style. 

Mohmadipiani is the world vice-champion in the category of up to 87 kg in Greco-Roman style. However, Novikov won with a decisive result of 7:0.


The previous Olympic title for Bulgaria in men's wrestling was brought by Armen Nazaryan 24 years ago from Sydney.

Semen Sergeevich Novikov was born in Kharkiv and until 2022 competed for Ukraine. In 2020, he became the European champion up to 87 kilograms, and at the World Championships in Belgrade in 2023, he won a bronze medal in the same category.

On August 8, 2024, he won a gold medal for Bulgaria in the category of up to 87 kilograms at the Olympic Games in Paris.

Photos: EPA/BGNES



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Burgas World Trophy 2024 draws crowds to coastal city

Burgas is turning into one big dance floor as eleven couples from eight countries compete for the World Championship Adult Showdance Latin title today. Among them are the recent gold medallists from Georgia and the runners-up from Germany.  "This is..

published on 8/31/24 8:15 AM
Grigor Dimitrov

Grigor Dimitrov advances to the third round of US Open

Bulgaria's top tennis player Grigor Dimitrov advanced to the third round of the US Open after a straight-set victory over Rinky Hijikata (Rank 62)- 6-1, 6-1, 7-6 (4). The match lasted just over two hours and 10 minutes. In the first two sets,..

published on 8/29/24 10:12 AM

Bulgarian Paralympic medallist Stela Eneva sails boldly into the new Olympics

With the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, the world's most important competition for athletes with disabilities, starting tomorrow, discus thrower Stela Eneva is preparing for her fourth Olympic Games.  Earlier this year, Eneva earned a quota for..

published on 8/27/24 1:31 PM