Bulgarian Grabs Junior Ski Jump World Champion Title

Junior Ski Jump World Champion Vladimir Zografski celebrates his success. Photo by FIS/Berkutschi

Bulgarian Vladimir Zografski became late Friday the Junior Ski Jump World Champion in Otepaepae (Estonia) in an unprecedented success for the country's winter sports.

Under very cold temperatures of about minus 13° C, the 17-year-old, who attracted attention with good results this winter, took the lead after the first round with 98 m. The result of 95 m in the final was enough to bring Zografski the victory with a total of 255.0 points.

"This morning I didn't believe that I might become a World Champion. I worked hard with my coach for two years and it happened. This medal was my dream", the new champion is quoted saying.

The second place went to Austrian Stefan Kraft (251.0 points) with the longest jump of the day - 100 m in the final round. Local hero Kaarel Nurmsalu from Estonia won the bronze.

Other Bulgarian competitors ranked 22nd (Bogomil Pavlov) and 42nd (Deyan Funtarov.)

"I still feel like I am dreaming. Vladi did a great job both in the practice and in the competitive jumps. Our next goal is the men's title," father and coach, Emil Zografski says.

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