Paris, July 31, 2024 — Lyubomir Epitropov, the reigning European champion in the 200-meter breaststroke, has successfully advanced to the semifinals at the Olympic Games in Paris.
The Bulgarian swimmer finished third in his heat with a time of 2:10.59 minutes, securing a spot in the top 16. This achievement marks his second consecutive appearance in the semifinals at the Olympics, having also reached this stage during the Tokyo Games.
In a tightly contested heat, Epitropov was edged out by Japan’s Yu Hanaguruma, who won with a time of 2:10.35 minutes. Despite not clinching the top position in his heat, Epitropov’s performance was strong enough to earn him the 13th position overall.
The semifinals are scheduled for tonight at 22:59 Bulgarian time, where Epitropov will aim to advance to the finals and potentially secure a medal for Bulgaria.
Epitropov’s journey to the semifinals is a testament to his consistency and skill in the 200-meter breaststroke. Earlier this year, he set a national record of 2:09.45 minutes during the final of the European Championships in Belgrade, where he clinched the gold medal.
His record-breaking performance at the European Championships has set high expectations for his performance at the Olympic Games.
The 24-year-old swimmer has been a prominent figure in Bulgarian swimming, consistently representing his country on the international stage.
His advancement to the semifinals in Paris is not only a personal achievement but also a significant moment for Bulgarian sports. As the nation watches with bated breath, Epitropov carries the hopes of his compatriots, aiming to bring home an Olympic medal.
Epitropov’s coach, Petar Stoychev, expressed his pride in Epitropov’s performance. “Lyubomir has worked incredibly hard to get to this point.
His dedication and commitment to the sport are evident in his performances. Advancing to the semifinals is a significant achievement, and we are hopeful for a strong showing tonight,” Stoychev said.
The road to the semifinals has been challenging, with Epitropov competing against some of the best swimmers in the world.
The 200-meter breaststroke is known for its demanding nature, requiring a perfect blend of speed, technique, and endurance. Epitropov’s ability to consistently perform at a high level is a testament to his training and determination.
As the semifinals approach, Epitropov remains focused on his goal. “I am thrilled to have made it to the semifinals again. It’s always an honor to represent Bulgaria at the Olympics. I am looking forward to tonight’s race and giving it my best shot,” Epitropov said in a post-race interview.
The swimming community in Bulgaria and around the world will be keenly watching the semifinals tonight, rooting for Epitropov to advance to the finals.
With his national record and European championship victory as a backdrop, Epitropov’s journey at the Paris Olympics continues to be an inspiring story of perseverance and excellence.
As Epitropov prepares for the crucial semifinals, the anticipation builds. Will he surpass his personal best and secure a place in the finals? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Lyubomir Epitropov has already made his mark on the 2024 Paris Olympics.