Irina Nikulchina

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games
SexFemale
Full nameIrina Kostadinova•Nikulchina
Used nameIrina•Nikulchina
Original nameИрина Костадинова•Никулчина
Born8 December 1974 in Razlog, Blagoevgrad (BUL)
Measurements172 cm / 55 kg
AffiliationsSC Bansko, Bansko (BUL)
NOC Bulgaria
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 0
Bronze 1
Total 1

Biography

Irina Nikulchina’s greatest success was her Olympic bronze medal in the pursuit at the 2002 Games. Prior to Salt Lake City, she had twice placed on the World Cup podium, both times in a sprint competition. After placing 11th in the sprint competition, Nikulchina moved up the field in the pursuit, leading the field with Norway’s Liv Grete Skjelbreid and Magdalena Forsberg (Sweden) at the last shooting. All three missed two shots, and were passed by Pyleva and Wilhelm, but Nikulchina held on to win a surprising bronze. Later that same year, Nikulchina married her coach, Ivan Keradzhiev.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1994 Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing (Skiing) BUL Irina Nikulchina
5 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 57
15 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 44
30 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 38
5/10 kilometres Pursuit, Women (Olympic) 43
1998 Winter Olympics Cross Country Skiing (Skiing) BUL Irina Nikulchina
5 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 70
15 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 63
30 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 28
5/10 kilometres Pursuit, Women (Olympic) 53
2002 Winter Olympics Biathlon BUL Irina Nikulchina
7.5 kilometres Sprint, Women (Olympic) 11
10 kilometres Pursuit, Women (Olympic) 3 Bronze
15 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 43
4 × 7.5 kilometres Relay, Women (Olympic) Bulgaria 4
2006 Winter Olympics Biathlon BUL Irina Nikulchina
7.5 kilometres Sprint, Women (Olympic) 36
10 kilometres Pursuit, Women (Olympic) 30
15 kilometres, Women (Olympic) 28
4 × 6 kilometres Relay, Women (Olympic) Bulgaria 8

Special Notes