Sofia, Bulgaria – Former Bulgarian rhythmic gymnastics star Radina Tomova has been disqualified for three years after testing positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide.
The 19-year-old athlete, who was once a key figure in Bulgaria’s world championship-winning ensemble, will be ineligible to compete from October 2, 2024, to October 1, 2027, according to the National Anti-Doping Center.
Tomova’s suspension follows an out-of-competition doping control, which detected the presence of hydrochlorothiazide, a substance prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) due to its potential use as a masking agent for performance-enhancing drugs.
Her name appears on the official list of Bulgarian athletes currently serving doping-related bans.
A Star in Bulgaria’s Rhythmic Gymnastics Scene
Tomova was an integral part of Bulgaria’s rhythmic gymnastics ensemble, which clinched the world title in the all-around event at the 2022 World Championships in Sofia.
That victory also secured Bulgaria a quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics. However, she was omitted from the Olympic roster after being removed from coach Vessela Dimitrova’s team following the group’s disappointing performance at the 2023 World Championships in Valencia.
Despite her young age, Tomova’s career boasts an impressive array of achievements. At the 2022 World Championships, she played a pivotal role in Bulgaria’s gold-medal performances in the three ribbons and two balls routine, as well as in the all-around event.
The following year, she helped Bulgaria secure team victory at the 2023 Teams Championships in Valencia.
Her success extended to the European stage as well. Tomova contributed to Bulgaria’s all-around gold and team gold at the 2023 European Championships in Baku, along with a silver medal in the five hoops routine. These accolades cemented her status as one of Bulgaria’s most promising rhythmic gymnasts.
Transition to Coaching and Doping Sanction
Following her departure from the national team, Tomova shifted her focus to coaching, joining Lokomotiv Sofia. Her transition to a mentor role was seen as a promising step for the future of Bulgarian gymnastics.
However, her recent doping sanction casts a shadow over her career and raises concerns about doping issues within the sport. Tomova’s case is the latest in a series of doping violations among Bulgarian athletes this year.
She is the sixth Bulgarian competitor to receive a ban in 2024, joining handball players Branimir Balchev, Denislav Sabev, and Kristiyan Kolev, as well as MMA fighter Dragomir Pashov and weightlifter Denis Mehmed.
Bulgaria’s Ongoing Doping Challenges
Bulgaria has faced scrutiny for multiple doping incidents across different sports. The country has a history of doping-related controversies, particularly in weightlifting and athletics.
The latest cases underscore the persistent challenge of maintaining clean competition within the nation’s sporting community. The Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation has yet to issue an official statement regarding Tomova’s disqualification.
Meanwhile, anti-doping authorities continue their efforts to combat the use of prohibited substances among athletes, reinforcing Bulgaria’s commitment to fair play on the international stage.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members