Among the most impressive individuals who we have met while traveling the Planet Earth has been Petar Stoychev.

Not only is he an accomplished athlete who has been the English Channel record holder, world 25 km champion, a 4-time Olympian and the 2009 WOWSA Man of the Year, but he also was always deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of his fellow competitors. He always pressed race directors to answer all the questions of the athletes and made many reasonable recommendations on how to make open water swims better. He speaks eloquently and authoritatively in various languages and is FINA spokesman in his roles in the FINA Technical Open Water Swimming Committee and Athletes Commission.

Stoychev was recently appointed the Sports Minister for the Bulgarian government. His regal bearing, his deep concern for sportsmen and sportswomen, his understanding of athletics, and his intelligent approach to dealing with various opportunities and issues will undoubtedly go a long way in helping athletes and sports in his native Bulgaria.

Great things are expected from great individuals.

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