Bulgarian gymnast Jordan Jovtchev may reconsider his decision to retire after the Olympics although the Beijing Games look certain to be his last.
In an interview with Reuters, 35-year-old rings specialist Jovtchev said he might still compete in a major championship.
‘I'm entirely focused on the Beijing Games as it's unreal to say that I'll ever have the chance to compete again at the Olympics but I think I'll continue competing for my clubs in France and Italy,’ Jovtchev said.
‘Let's see what will happen in Beijing. If I'm in a good mood and have the motivation to compete after that, who knows, maybe I'll take part in another big championship.’
Jovtchev, who has more than two dozen podium finishes in major championships including four Olympic medals, will be aiming for the Olympic gold that has remained just out of reach.
The closest he got was four years ago in Athens when he was awarded silver medal in a memorable rings competition. conceding the title to Greek Dimosthenis Tampakos.
‘To win the Olympic title would be awesome,’ Jovtchev said. ‘But I know it'll be a very tough battle because there are a lot of brilliant competitors in the rings at the moment.’
‘The title could be decided by a very slight flick or by a very slight inaccuracy. It'll be a contest where steady nerves are vital.
‘Several gymnasts have the potential to grab the gold but most probably the winner will be the coolest guy.
‘I have no doubt that we'll see superb exhibitions of strength and stamina in Beijing but you'll need something more to step on to the podium, to be crowned as the new lord of the rings.’
Jovtchev believes he will stay close to the sport after retiring.
‘Gymnastics is my life,’ he said. ‘I grew up in the hall, my friends are in the hall and I still love to be in the hall. So, I don't see a reason to change my way of life.’
The Balkan country's most successful gymnast in recent decades believes that his performances could entice many children to start training.
‘It's a fabulous feeling to know that you can inspire young people,’ he said. ‘I know that Bulgarian gymnastics is going through a difficult period but my optimism is growing when I see young boys and girls coming to train.’
‘He (Jovtchev) is the perfect professional,’ said Jovtchev's coach Milko Tankushev. ‘He is 35 now and he continues to be a model for the younger gymnasts in terms of his attitude and resolve.
‘He always tries to be on his best, it doesn't matter if it's an ordinary training session or a big championship.’
