Jovtchev makes history
Veteran Bulgarian Jordan Jovtchev has made Olympic history by qualifying for a record sixth Games.
By Paul Higham Twitter: @SkySportsPaulH
Last Updated: 11/01/12 6:40pm
Some Olympic history was achieved at the Olympic gymnastics test event in London on Tuesday as veteran Bulgarian Jordan Jovtchev qualified for a record sixth Games.
The 38-year-old will became the only gymnast in history to compete in six Olympics when he takes to the North Greenwich Arena at London 2012 this summer.
Despite his age and veteran status, Jovtchev managed to finish in 23rd place in the all-round event in which the top 30 gained places in London.
"I am very happy, I can't be any other way," Jovtchev said on Bulgarian radio. "I was a bit anxious facing a hard six-event competition where many famous gymnasts failed to win a spot so I am fully contented now."
Jovtchev will turn 39 next month and despite aches and pains here and there he had put everything he had into qualifying for a sixth consecutive Olympic Games.
"I had the will and preparedness to do it, I trained and I am happy to have made it. Yet, there's still time left and I hope that all goes well for me to be able to make it to London," Jovtchev added.
A successful career has seen Jovtchev win for world titles and pick up one silver and three bronze medals at the Olympics, but a shoulder injury had threatened his participation in London.
Although the competitor in him means that he will still be going to London aiming to add to his medal collection, he knows that the odds will be against him and he recognises that just qualifying is an achievement in itself.
"I still want to make finals and medals. But it is very, very hard. It's not like it was four or eight years ago and I am fully aware of that. But my mere appearance will be something phenomenal for Bulgarian gymnastics and for me," Jovtchev said.
Jovtchev will be focusing on the rings in London, as he knows he does not have the energy any more to go full tilt on all of the gymnastic disciplines.
"I will concentrate on the still rings only. It will be no use to waste efforts on the other exercises where I stand zero chances of making something bigger than average performances," he said.
