Remarks collected by Jean-Michel Lachance

How can you describe the situation of speed skating in your country?

The situation of speed skating is common to the other sports in my country. 15 years ago all the sports were significantly supported by the government. Right now their support is nothing compared to the 80's. It's very problematic because it's still not commercialized enough to get money out of it. The federation offers a contract and a monthly salary, but money it's not enough and the condition to sign this contract is to take into the first six in Europe. They don't take into consideration other competitions such as world cups. So, the only chance for us, as skaters, is to hope that won't screw up on the European champs. Last 2 years we did exactly the opposite, so right now I'm making cell phone games for GameLoft and put my way out to financial independence. To my opinion I will race much more freed of the thought of screwing up.

Do skaters like Evgenia Radanova can get enough sponsoring to concentrate only on speed skating?

Radanova case is completely different. Her popularity and success have a political side too. Her success advertises the government and many people benefit from it. And she has enough money to develop her athletic skills further and further, and to concentrate only on that. But... Exceptional athletes like her make millions. She should make millions.

Do you know what lead your government to stop supporting the sport in the 90’s?

Those years we abandoned the centralized economics model, and started a difficult transition to the free economic market. And we're still in this transition.

First part of the interview

Photo: Bulgarians skaters on ice rink
Credit: Official Site Of Bulgarian Skating Federation