2024-07-18 11:56:49
Life is an unsurpassed screenwriter – it creates stories that even the most skilled movie screenwriters cannot. And these are real.
The smile of a radiant girl was gone. Her dream was stolen. Blamed and left to cry instead of pursuing her. And as the last minutes ticked by, in which there was a minimal chance of the pursuit of the dream continuing, a “miracle” happened. In fact, the “miracle” was the result of a hard fight for the dream over a long period of time, soaked in pain and tears. A battle on foreign soil. Judicial. The young girl, although tortured, managed to bring a smile back to her face. And, armed with it, to continue. And after the return of the smile, he personally met the inspiration.
This is the short “literary version” of the current history of the new star of the Bulgarian canoe-kayak, Ioana Georgieva.
Having won the only quota for Bulgaria in canoe-kayak for the Olympic Games in Paris, the young Ioana was looking forward to her debut under the five Olympic rings. Until she was accused of violating anti-doping rules. Not that she tested positive. Once she was not found by inspectors at the requested location. At the same time, she was at Plovdiv University, where she is a student. Generally, a penalty is imposed for three cases of non-disclosure. However, after this comes the accusation that she “ran away on purpose”. Nevermind that since the case in question since December 2023, she has been tested 8 times and all samples have been negative. And on June 10, 2024, her rights were temporarily suspended.
The Olympic dream flew away. The wings of a flying Bulgarian child were broken.
On July 15, 2024, the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne issued a decision: Joanna is innocent! The temporary suspension of rights from June 10 is lifted. On the same day, she was declared to participate in the world championship for youth under 23 in Plovdiv, starting on July 17. And documents were submitted for the return of the Olympic dream – for Joana to represent Bulgaria in the 500 m single-seater kayak at the Olympic Games in Paris starting on July 26.
Although weakened by battles outside her field, outside the rowing channel, Georgieva does not stop training. Now, however, something more is needed. Additional inspiration. And as if fate sent him in time.
On July 16, Plovdiv celebrated 100 years of organized canoe-kayaking in Bulgaria. And Joanna was there – innocent, beautiful and happy again. And most importantly – in front of the sign for the 100th anniversary of the canoe-kayak, inspiration greeted her! The great Vanya Gesheva. Smiling and truly happy for young Joanna.
In an interview with “24 Chasa” at the beginning of May, dedicated to her participation in the upcoming Olympic Games, the dreamy Ioana made a confession: “My biggest idol is Vanya Gesheva. I draw inspiration from her. We have many similarities – both in physics and in everything. I just know that with a lot of work, with complete dedication, I can become like her. And that’s what I strive for.”
And the person for example – in her sport and her discipline, is more than exceptional. Vanya Gesheva is the only Bulgarian athlete with gold, silver and bronze from one Olympic Games. In Seoul in 1988, our amazing kayaker triumphed in the 500m single kayak, won silver in the double and bronze in the quadruple kayak. He also has a silver Olympic medal from Moscow 1980.
And now the idol stood opposite Joanna. With its inherent unadulterated charm. Real and ordinary. And in fact – cosmic and extraordinary. And with her inherent smile that is contagious. And made Joanna’s even bigger.
The golden history and the potential golden future of the Bulgarian canoe-kayak together.
“Vanya, we wish Joanna your success”, address the two people from the Bulgarian canoe-kayak family passing by.
“No,” says the great Vanya Gesheva. And he smiles even wider. He hugs Joanna, looks into her eyes: “I wish from the bottom of my heart that she surpasses me.”
On July 31, Joanna Georgieva will turn 22. On August 7, 2024, her first Olympic start should be – exactly 11 years after the then 11-year-old Joanna got into the boat and started having fun training.
Vanya Gesheva achieved her first spectacular Olympic success only at the age of 20 – in Moscow in 1980. At 28, our world-leading kayaker won gold, silver and bronze from the Seoul Games.
The golden story written by Vanya is today an inspiration for Bulgarian athletes. And personally for Joanna.