Bulgarian skiers at 2026 Olympics – no excessive ambitions, huge determination

We are now on the threshold of the most significant event for snow sports fans – the Winter Olympic Games, which will take place in Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo from February 6 to 22. Despite the challenges in developing winter disciplines in Bulgaria, limited resources, and a lack of sufficient infrastructure, our athletes have trained diligently and consistently to proudly represent the country on the world stage.

In alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, and ski jumping, Bulgaria will be represented by a total of seven athletes, each of whom has already carved out their path in international sport.

In alpine skiing, Bulgaria will be represented by Albert Popov, Kalin Zlatkov, and Anina Zurbrigen. Albert Popov is among the leaders in the slalom discipline. He is xpected to deliver strong runs and compete for top positions. Kalin Zlatkov is gradually making his way among the top competitors, aiming to break into the top 30. Anina Zurbrigen continues to gain experience, and could become one of the tournament’s breakout stars.

In cross-country skiing, Bulgaria is counting on Mario Matikanov, Daniel Peshkov and Kalina Nedyalkova. Mario Matikanov has already shown his potential at the Winter World University Games. Daniel Peshkov relies on his endurance in long-distance events, and Kalina Nedyalkova consistently performs in international competitions while striving to improve her rankings.

In ski jumping, the country’s sole representative is Vladimir Zografski – the team’s most experienced athlete and a regular competitor in the World Cup. His goal is to put his experience to full use and set new Bulgarian records.

The team’s realistic goal is to deliver solid performances, reach the main stages of the competitions, and further strengthen Bulgaria’s position in winter sports.

                                                                    Alpine skiing

Albert Popov is Bulgaria’s top alpine skiing athlete, particularly in slalom. His most remarkable victory came on January 8, 2025, when he won the slalom at the World Cup in Madonna di Campiglio – the second World Cup for Bulgaria in Alpine Skiing, after Petar Popangelov’s triumph in 1980. “With the world's best Slalom skiers unable to come to terms with the famous piste in Madonna di Campiglio, all that stood between Albert Popov and victory was 45 years of history'', wrote the International Ski Federation.

“"It means everything — the hard work, those years away from the family and the hard trainings. It means a lot and a win or a podium just gives you energy to keep going, to keep moving forward and to stay motivated", Albert Popov said following his historic success. He added that he hopes his achievements will inspire more Bulgarian children to hit the slopes.

Among the achievements of the athlete, born in 1997, are a bronze medal at the 2018 Junior World Ski Championships, a third-place finish in Palisades Tahoe in 2023, ninth place at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and a number of top-15 finishes in the World Cup.

Kalin Zlatkov was born in 2001 and made his breakthrough in the World Cup during the 2024/2025 season. With his achievements so far, he has established himself as Bulgaria’s second-strongest alpine skier after Albert Popov. He shares his passion for slalom with his sister, Yulia, and his younger brother, Kamen. Zlatkov’s achievements in 2025 include wins in FIS slalom races in Berchtesgaden, Perito Moreno in Argentina, and the Italian resort of Toblach (Dobbiacio), as well as a second-place finish in the Far East Cup in China and third place in the slalom at the Far East Cup in the Alpensia ski resort (South Korea) in January 2026.

In December, at the slalom in Alta Badia, Italy, he finished 61st in the first run and did not advance in the competition. “I can’t say I’m satisfied with my skiing, but on the other hand, this is my first completed World Cup run, which is an important step, and I hope that after the New Year I can build on it and aim for the top 30 and World Cup points”, Kalin Zlatkov told journalist Aleksandar Mihnev.

Anina Zurbrigen was born in 2003 in Switzerland to a Bulgarian mother. She specializes in slalom. She made her debut for Bulgaria in the 2023/2024 season. In September 2024, she claimed an easy victory at the giant slalom in Perito Moreno. At the Winter World University Games in Turin in January 2025, she placed 13th in the women’s slalom. In April 2025, she won her third consecutive slalom title at the Bulgarian National Ski Championships in Bansko.

                                                                    Cross-country skiing

Mario Matikanov, born in 2004, is a student at the National Sports Academy and is considered one of Bulgaria’s most promising cross-country skiers. In January 2025, he won a bronze medal in the 10 km freestyle at the Winter World University Games in Turin, Italy, securing a medal for Bulgaria at this prestigious forum 45 years after Ivan Lebanov’s last student title. In March of the same year, Mario claimed his third title at the National Cross-Country Ski Championships in Bansko.

Daniel Peshkov, born in 2002 in Sapareva Banya in the Rila Mountains, is one of Bulgaria’s most successful cross-country skiers. In a survey by the Bulgarian Ski Federation, he shared that his motto is: “Tough days build strong people.” He considers his most memorable race to be the Men’s 50 km Freestyle at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025 in Trondheim, where he finished 51st. His goal is to be among the world’s best within the next five years. His victories include the Balkan Cross-Country Ski Cups in 2022 and 2023. He has also won titles at the National Winter Cross-Country Skiing Championships and the Summer Roller-Ski National Championships.

Kalina Nedyalkova, born in 2001, has claimed titles at the Bulgarian National Winter Cross-Country Ski Championships, the Summer Roller-Ski National Championships, and the Balkan Cup. In 2025, at the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2025 in Trondheim, she finished 13th in the Women’s 7.5 km Interval Start Classic.

                                                                   Ski jumping

Vladimir Zografski is the most successful ski jumper in Bulgarian history and a symbol of dedication and perseverance. Representing a country where ski jumping is a rarity, he has managed to break into the world elite. Born in 1993 in the town of Samokov at the foot of the Rila Mountains, he grew up near the ski jump. He is the son of Emil Zografski, also a ski jumper. He trains mainly abroad, particularly in Austria, due to the lack of suitable ski jumping facilities in Bulgaria.

In 2011, he won gold at the Junior World Championships in Otepää, Estonia. He then made his breakthrough at the senior level, regularly scoring World Cup points and gradually establishing himself among the elite. At the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, he finished 14th in the Men’s Normal Hill — the best Olympic result ever for a Bulgarian in the sport. In November 2018, he placed 6th at the Ski Jumping World Cup in Ruka, Finland. In November 2025, he surpassed his own record, finishing 4th in Ruka.

At the prestigious Four Hills Tournament in January this year, Zografski again delivered a record performance for Bulgaria, finishing 14th with 269.3 points after jumps of 129 and 133.5 meters. “In all four events, I had one strong jump and one weaker jump, but the important thing is that we know what to work on. The season is in full swing… I hope we can correct the mistakes and make ski fans in Bulgaria happy”, Vladimir Zografski said in a video message on the Bulgarian Ski Federation’s Facebook page.

For each of the Bulgarian athletes, the Winter Olympics will be a test of the work they have put in over the past years and an opportunity for the next step in their careers. Of course, we are all hoping for Olympic medals for Bulgarian sport!

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Translated by Kostadin Atanasov