Javier Ibanez secures first Olympic medal for Bulgaria from Paris 2024

Boxer Javier Ibáñez qualified for the Olympic semi-finals in the category of up to 57 kg thus securing at least a bronze medal in Paris. Born in Cuba, but competing for Bulgaria, the European champion won against Japanese Shudai Harada with 5:0 judges' votes.

For a place in the final, Javier Ibáñez will face world bronze medallist Munarbek Seitbek Uulu of Kyrgyzstan, who prevailed with a 3-2 decision over Jahmal Harvey of the United States.

Gymnast Valentina Georgieva also performed well at the Olympic tournament and placed fifth in women’s vault. Thus, Bulgaria once again had an Olympic finalist among women after a 32-year hiatus.

The ranking is a huge success for the 18-year-old Olympic débutante also because it was achieved after a long absence due to a knee injury.

An interesting fact is that Valentina Georgieva repeated the achievement of her coach Filip Yanev, who finished in fifth place in the vault at the Athens Olympics in 2004.