Ivan Vezyuv Wins Gold at the Special Olympics in Turin

Ivan Vezyuv won gold in the 100-metre cross-country skiing event at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Turin. In the same discipline, two other Bulgarian athletes made the podium in different divisions - Asya Todorova and Darina Bogdanova took silver.

"I am very proud of this achievement. I know that I represent Bulgaria, but also Bansko and all the athletes like me. It was hard and exhausting, but we did it," said the champion. His compatriot Asya Todorova admitted that she hadn't believed in her success and dedicated her medal to the people from the resort's social centre. Both athletes train at the Pirin Biathlon Club.

The other silver medallist, Darina Bogdanova, studies and trains in Samokov. Her coach, Krasimir Matikanov, said: "She has come a long way in her preparation, training twice a day with all the other students at the ski school. My greatest wish is to make all children, young people and their parents happy".