Celebrating 40 Years Since Kostadinova’s Historic Breakthrough in Paris: A Tribute to Legacy and Achievement | World Athletics

Stefka Kostadinova stepped into the spotlight as a teenager during the World Indoor Games in Paris on January 19, 1985. This event was a significant moment in sports history, laying the groundwork for the World Athletics Indoor Championships that began in 1987.

At just 19 years old, Kostadinova stunned the crowd and claimed her first major title in the high jump. Not only did she win gold, but she also started a remarkable era, capturing nine consecutive international titles. This victory marked the beginning of her journey, leading to five world indoor championships.

Despite being ranked second in Bulgaria, Kostadinova was a rising star. In 1984, she became one of the few women to clear 2.00 meters, but she faced a setback as Bulgarian athletes missed the Los Angeles Olympics that year because of a boycott. Undeterred, she showcased her talent in Paris, clearing heights of 1.80m to 1.97m with ease. Her final jump solidified her win, as fellow competitor Susanne Lorentson claimed silver at 1.94m.

Eager to break the world indoor record of 2.04m, Kostadinova attempted three jumps but fell short. However, her success in 1985 kept building. She won every competition she entered, including the European Indoor Championships and the World Cup, ending the year with a world-leading jump of 2.06m.

The following year was a defining one for her. She first matched the outdoor world record of 2.07m and then surpassed it, setting a new record of 2.08m. But her journey to greatness didn’t stop there. In 1987, she set a world indoor record of 2.05m and later reached a height of 2.09m outdoors. Remarkably, that record stood for almost 37 years.

Between 1985 and 1988, Kostadinova dominated the high jump scene, winning nine major titles in a row, from world championships to European competitions. Her reign came to a halt at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, where she lost in a jump-off for gold, battling through an injury-plagued event.

Despite facing physical challenges, including knee and foot injuries, she made a strong comeback. After taking time off for childbirth, she returned to win her second outdoor title in 1995. The following year, she achieved her long-awaited Olympic gold in Atlanta, declaring her happiness after eight tough years of waiting.

Kostadinova’s competitive journey brought her back to Paris in 1997 for the World Indoor Championships. She captured her fifth indoor title, making her the only woman to do so at a height of 2.02m. This achievement underscored her remarkable talent and consistency in the high jump.

After retiring, Kostadinova transitioned into sports administration and has led the Bulgarian Olympic Committee since 2005. Although her world record has been surpassed, her impressive career still resonates in the record books. She remains an iconic figure in women’s high jump, holding remarkable statistics, including eleven clearances over 2.06m—far higher than any other athlete today.

Stefka Kostadinova’s legacy continues to inspire, and her journey illustrates both talent and perseverance in the world of athletics.

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