site.bta Zamfirov Urges Tempered Expectations for Bulgaria Ahead of Milano Cortina Games

Snowboarder Tervel Zamfirov, the winner of the parallel giant slalom FIS world cup in Bansko last Sunday, calls for tempered expectations for the Bulgarian entrants' performance in the 2026 Winter Games in Milan–Cortina, urging supporters and media alike to focus on the achievement of qualification rather than the medal pressure. 

Zamfirov was speaking at an official presentation of the Milan–Cortina Games at the Italian Embassy in Sofia, hosted by Ambassador Marcello Apicella and attended by Bulgarian Olympic Committee President Vesela Lecheva and senior figures from national sports federations.

The recent success of Bulgaria’s alpine snowboarders has fueled optimism for a strong Olympic showing, with Zamfirov joined in the national team by fellow snowboarders Radoslav Yankov, Alexander Krashniak and Malena Zamfirova.

"Whatever the outcome, it will be something to be proud of," Zamfirov said. "For the first time in our history, Bulgaria will be represented by four snowboarders at the Winter Games. That alone is a major milestone."

Zamfirov said he was still absorbing the emotions from his World Cup triumph on home snow, describing it as a landmark moment for Bulgarian snowboarding. "Two Bulgarians on the podium and a victory in front of a home crowd is something truly special," he said, adding that the success has given him renewed confidence and motivation ahead of the Olympics.

Despite the growing anticipation, Zamfirov stressed the importance of staying grounded, noting that he still has another World Cup start to contest as well as university exams to complete. "The Winter Games are the defining event in an athlete’s life, but I am taking it one thing at a time," he said.

He admits taking inspiration from many athletes. "In winter sports I am inspired by Mikaela Schiffrin and Marcel Hirscher, as well as by fellow snowboarders Radoslav Yankov, Andreas Prommegger, Roland Fischnall, Benjamin Karl. In world sport, Novak Djokovic has always been a role model and an inspiration."