Hristo Markov

As a triple jumper, Hristo Markov won every title available to him. In 1985, he won both the World and European indoor titles. The next few years, he added the European (1986), the world (1987) and Olympic title (1988) to his tally, world ranking first in both 1987 and 1988. The only honor that eluded him was the world record. His 17.92 at the 1987 World Championships brought him within five centimeters of Willie Banks’s 1985 world record. After his Olympic title, Markov could not maintain the same competitive level. His last podium came at the 1990 European Championships (silver), but at the 1991 Worlds and the 1992 Olympics he failed to even make the final. Markov then turned to coaching. His most successful pupil was Tereza Marinova, who followed in his footsteps by taking the 2000 Olympic gold.

Personal Best: TJ – 17.92 (1987).