Legendary Athlete from the Neighborhood Dies, His Record Unbroken for 54 Years
The legendary Bulgarian discus thrower, Velko Velev, has passed away at the age of 78, according to local media. The renowned athlete from the neighborhood remained best known for his record in this athletic discipline, which remained unbroken for a full 54 years.
TL;DR
- Velko Velev, a legendary Bulgarian discus thrower, passed away at 78.
- His Bulgarian national record in discus, set in 1972 with a throw of 67.82 meters, remains unbeaten after 54 years.
- Velev participated in the 1976 Montreal and 1980 Moscow Olympic Games, reaching the finals.
- He also competed in European Championships, achieving fifth place in 1974 and fourth place in 1978.
- Velev was born in Sofia on January 4, 1948.
- He began discus throwing with coach Vasil Popov.