Grozdeva threatens boycott
Maria Grozdeva has threatened to boycott the Olympics after a bust-up with the Bulgarian Shooting Federation.
By Emma Bird
Last Updated: 14/02/12 2:49pm
Maria Grozdeva, double Olympic shooting champion, has threatened to boycott the London Olympics if there is no change at the top of the Bulgarian Shooting Federation.
The 2000 and 2004 Olympic gold medal winner in the women's 25m pistol, reacted angrily after her shooting club, Levski Sopharma, were expelled from the federation for not participating in domestic competitions.
The 39-year-old Bulgarian, also the Olympic bronze medallist in the 10m air pistol in 1992, 1996 and 2004, said she did not take part in the national tournaments because she was competing abroad at the same time.
Grozdeva said: "It's ridiculous. He (Federation Chief Kamen Shishmanov) should resign or I'll not compete at the Olympics.
"Yes, it's an ultimatum. Let's see who is more important."
Shishmanov said the federation had obeyed the rules, as all clubs needed to take part in at least one of the two national championships during the year, something that Levski Sopharma had not done.
Since 1960, Bulgarian shooters have won four gold medals, six silver and six bronze at the Olympic Games.
