Bulgarian Snowboard Hope Malena Zamfirova on Road to Recovery After Accident

Bulgarian snowboarder Malena Zamfirova has returned to Bulgaria and is now undergoing active rehabilitation following a serious accident at the beginning of March. The 16-year-old was struck from behind by a skier in Špindlerův Mlýn, after which she was transported to a clinic in Graz, where she underwent several complex surgical procedures.

Although she sustained significant injuries affecting her hip, pelvis and shoulder, her condition has shown steady improvement. At this stage, she is able to move independently and can climb stairs with the assistance of crutches, marking a key milestone in her recovery.

Her rehabilitation is being supervised by a specialized team of physiotherapists led by Mihail Nenov. The process is expected to continue for several months, with a gradual return to full training as the ultimate objective.

Despite the seriousness of the injuries, her team has already set a clear target for her comeback – participation in a World Cup event scheduled for December in Cortina d’Ampezzo.

In a public message, Zamfirova’s family expressed gratitude for the strong support received, thanking Bulgarians for their empathy during what they described as a difficult period.

Prior to the accident, Zamfirova had been enjoying a highly successful season. She secured two third-place finishes in World Cup competitions, achieved nine placements within the top 10, and recorded two wins in European Cup events. She also made her Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she finished in tenth place.