Mikhail Zhelev facts for kids

Mikhail Zhelev was a famous Bulgarian athlete who ran in long-distance races. He was born on July 15, 1943, in a city called Sliven, in Bulgaria. Mikhail was known for his amazing running skills, especially in events like the steeplechase.

He competed in two different Olympic Games and won a gold medal at a big European competition. Mikhail Zhelev passed away on January 5, 2021, when he was 77 years old.

Mikhail Zhelev's Athletic Journey

Mikhail Zhelev was a talented runner from Bulgaria. He focused on track and field events, which include running, jumping, and throwing. His main event was the steeplechase, a race where runners have to jump over hurdles and water obstacles.

Competing in the Olympics

Mikhail Zhelev had the chance to represent his country at the Olympic Games. This is a huge honor for any athlete. He competed in the Olympics twice.

• In the 1968 Summer Olympics, he showed great skill and finished in 6th place. This was a very strong performance against the best runners in the world.
• He also competed in the 1972 Summer Olympics. In this competition, he finished in 12th place.

Becoming a European Champion

One of Mikhail Zhelev's biggest achievements was at the 1969 European Athletics Championships. At this important event, he won a gold medal. This meant he was the best in Europe in his event that year. Winning a gold medal is a major highlight in an athlete's career.

See also

In Spanish: Mijaíl Zhelev para niños