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The most successful Bulgarian female skier Maria Kirkova, who participated 7 times Ski World Championships and 4 times Olympic Games and is in the last 7 seasons member of the Ulen Ski Team finished her professional career with a big testimonial race at the "Vitoshko Lale" track near Sofia.
Over 300 people attended the final race of the 33-year-old Maria, that was hosted by the Bulgarian Ski Federation and Vitosha Ski. Among the guests were many celebrities such as Bulgaria’s best snowboarder Radoslav Yankov, Bulgaria’s best alpine skiers Albert Popov and Kamen Zlatkov both form the Moten ski team and Yoan Todorov from the Ulen ski team.

Under tons of emotions and attractive performances Maria Kirkova won the final against Albert Popov. Under the turmoil of her fans, the first lady of the native skiing was overwhelmed by awards. The prizes were handed over by the BFSki President Tseko Minev, his deputy Georgi Bobev and Radoslav Peev from Vitosha Ski. Kirkova received many gifts from Ulen, where she is already a trainer from this winter.

"It's a strange feeling and I'm very excited. This is an end, but also a new beginning because I will remain in the ski sport and try to pass on my experience to the next generation. I hope they will perform better than I did! I will definitely miss the sport. But I think that's the right moment to give up. I see some kids who I want to support and give them good advice", said Kirkova, who won during her career 102 FIS races. "I was too ambitious, and when you're too ambitious you make mistakes. There are two moments in my career that I will never forget. The first is when I was carrying the Bulgarian flag at the opening of the Sochi Olympics. This was the most exciting moment in my life. The second is when I became 22nd in the FIS Ski World Cup in Val d'Isère with 11th best time in the slalom", Maria added.
 

Source: Bansko Utre Weekly