site.btaSnowboarder Alexander Krashniak Leaves Winter Olympics with "Good Memories"

Bulgarian Alpine snowboarder Alexander Krashniak said on Sunday he is leaving the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 with good memories. The 21-year-old placed 31st in the qualification run of the men's parallel giant slalom in Livigno in his Olympic debut.

Two other Bulgarians, Tervel Zamfirov and Radoslav Yankov, advanced to the Round of 16, which will be held later on Sunday.

Krashniak commented: "I am pleased that the competition is taking place on such a good course and on such a fine day. The conditions are perfect and I am very happy that three Bulgarians were here and two managed to reach the finals. I will support them to the end in any way I can."

He went on to say: "I made two quite big mistakes on a backside turn in the first run. I do not know what caused them. I did not make any changes for the second run. I would not say I was nervous, but there was an inaccuracy I allowed to creep in, though it happens – it is a competition. I am pleased with the second run, so I leave with a good memory."

Krashniak believes that the course was perfect – "long, good, well prepared, varied. There are drops, there are transitions. Everything you need to see who the best snowboarder is."

He is not surprised by the performance of his teammates, the 20-year-old debutant Zamfirov and the experienced 36-year-old Yankov, who made his fourth Olympic appearance.

"They have shown all season that they are very good and ride very strongly. They have placed themselves among the best and in my view have a very good chance of going even further. I am keeping my fingers crossed for them to start winning one after another. The blue course is a little faster, but there is not much difference, so you can win on either course," Krashniak said.

The youngster is pleased that he has gained more valuable experience.

"I made an important assessment of the set-up of the board for the giant slalom and how to prepare from now on. It is a valuable experience for me and I will certainly be glad to have more like it. We aimed not to burden ourselves with expectations. We wanted to do our runs, to stay calm mentally and not to worry. Only good things lie ahead for us. Rado's experience is invaluable for us and at times he gives us key advice. Knowledge is passed on across generations. It is crucial to develop in a well-rounded way. Lessons you learn here, you apply elsewhere, and vice versa. An athlete is a combination of many things, not just sport," Krashniak concluded.