Aleksandra Nacheva (Bulgaria)

### The Rise of Aleksandra Nacheva: Bulgaria’s Track and Field Star

Aleksandra Nacheva, born on August 20, 2001, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has been making waves in the track and field world with her impressive performances in the long jump and triple jump events. At just 23 years old, Nacheva has already achieved numerous accolades that have solidified her position as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport.

### Early Career and Achievements

Nacheva’s journey in track and field began early. She first gained international recognition during the 2017 season when she won silver at the IAAF World U18 Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, with a jump of 13.54 meters. This achievement was followed by a fourth-place finish at the European Athletics U20 Championships in Grosseto, Italy, where she extended her personal best to 13.64 meters at just 15 years old[2][3].

### Breakthrough Year: 2018

The year 2018 marked a significant turning point in Nacheva’s career. At the 2018 European Athletics U18 Championships in Győr, Hungary, she won silver in the triple jump with a wind-legal jump of 13.80 meters. This performance showcased her growing prowess and set her up for even greater challenges ahead[3].

One of the most notable achievements of 2018 was Nacheva’s gold medal win at the IAAF World U20 Championships in Tampere, Finland. With a personal best jump of 14.18 meters, she became the first Bulgarian athlete to win a gold medal in the U20 category since Tezdzhan Naimova in 2006. This victory not only cemented Nacheva’s status as a rising star but also made her the second Bulgarian female triple jumper to win a Junior World title, after Tereza Marinova’s record-breaking performance in Atlanta in 1996[2][3].

### Youth Olympics Success

In October 2018, Nacheva continued her impressive run by winning gold in the triple jump at the Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires. Her total score of 27.62 meters in the two-stage final—13.76 meters and 13.86 meters—highlighted her consistency and skill under pressure. This medal marked a significant milestone as she became one of the few athletes to win medals in each of the three major youth athletics events held that year[2].

### Recognition and Awards

Nacheva’s achievements did not go unnoticed within her home country. She was ranked third in the Bulgarian Sportsperson of the Year award ceremony held on December 20, 2018, behind Taybe Yusein and Mirela Demireva. This recognition further underscored her impact on Bulgarian athletics and her growing reputation as a talented young athlete[2].

### Current Performance and Future Prospects

As of 2024, Nacheva continues to impress with her performances. Her personal best in the triple jump stands at 14.35 meters, achieved on June 9, 2024. This impressive jump places her among the top contenders in her age group and demonstrates her continued growth and development as an athlete[1].

### Impact on Track and Field

Aleksandra Nacheva’s rise to prominence has not only brought glory to Bulgaria but also inspired a new generation of athletes. Her achievements serve as a testament to the potential of young athletes from smaller nations who can achieve greatness with dedication and hard work. Nacheva’s success story is one that will be closely followed by fans and athletes alike, as she continues to push boundaries and set new standards in track and field.

In conclusion, Aleksandra Nacheva is a shining star in the world of track and field. With her impressive array of achievements, including multiple international medals and personal bests, she has solidified her position as one of the most promising young athletes in the sport. As she continues to compete at the highest levels, fans around the world eagerly await her next move, knowing that with each jump, she is not only representing Bulgaria but also inspiring a new era of athletic excellence.

Go Aleksandra!