Mariya Petkova
Mariya Dimitrova Petkova (Bulgarian: Мария Димитрова Петкова, née Вергова, Vergova; born 3 November 1950 in Plovdiv) is a retired Bulgarian discus thrower. In 1976 she won an Olympic silver medal behind Evelin Schlaak, a standing that would repeat itself in 1980. This year she also achieved a personal best throw of 71.80 metres. In 1982 she won a European Championship silver medal behind countrywoman Tsvetanka Khristova, who is twelve years younger. One year later Petkova won the bronze medal at the first World Championships in Athletics.
Achievements
| Year | Competition | Venue | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Representing  Bulgaria | ||||
| 1975 | World Student Games | Rome, Italy | 1st | |
| 1976 | Summer Olympics | Montreal, Canada | 2nd | |
| 1977 | World Student Games | Sofia, Bulgaria | 1st | |
| 1980 | Summer Olympics | Moscow, USSR | 2nd | |
| 1982 | European Championships | Athens, Greece | 2nd | |
| 1983 | World Championships | Helsinki, Finland | 3rd | 66.44 m |
In 1974 Mariya Petkova bench pressed 210 kg without the use of supportive gear of any kind. This is more than any other woman in history.
External links
- Maria Vergova-Petkova profile at IAAF
- sports-reference
| Records | ||
|---|---|---|
Preceded by Evelin Jahl |
Women's Discus World Record Holder 15 July 1980 – 23 May 1983 |
Succeeded by Galina Savinkova |
| Sporting positions | ||
| Preceded by Evelin Jahl |
Women's Discus Best Year Performance 1980 |
Succeeded by Evelin Jahl |
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