Maria Gigova
Maria Gigova was the first real star to emerge from the rhythmic gymnastics scene. Guigova's astonishing achievements during her sport career made her one of the top 10 rhythmic gymnasts of all time. Gigova was born April 24, 1947. Maria Gigova ‘s first success was in 1965, when she placed 6th at the Prague World Championships. Gigova dropped to 9th place at the 1967 World Championships, but won her first title with hoop, an event she would dominate for the next six years.
At the World Championships held in Varna, Bulgaria, in 1969 Gigova was on top of her game. Maria Gigova won the all-around by an imposing .450 points. Although her margin of victory was not quite as wide at the 1971 World Championships, Gigova qualified to all four finals and grabbed two more golds (hoop and ribbon). Gigova tied Soviet Galima Shugurova for the title at the 1973 World Championships. Gigova was the driving force behind the rising level of difficulty that began in earnest in the early 1970s. Her record 4 hoop titles is still unmatched, attesting to her superiority with this apparatus. But one of her most memorable routines is her 1973 ball exercise, choreographed to the music of composer Dimitar Vultchev. In this exercise, Gigova demonstrated cutting-edge flexibility, spectacular high apparatus tosses, and an unheard-of catch while lying on the floor.
At the World Championships held in Varna, Bulgaria, in 1969 Gigova was on top of her game. Maria Gigova won the all-around by an imposing .450 points. Although her margin of victory was not quite as wide at the 1971 World Championships, Gigova qualified to all four finals and grabbed two more golds (hoop and ribbon). Gigova tied Soviet Galima Shugurova for the title at the 1973 World Championships. Gigova was the driving force behind the rising level of difficulty that began in earnest in the early 1970s. Her record 4 hoop titles is still unmatched, attesting to her superiority with this apparatus. But one of her most memorable routines is her 1973 ball exercise, choreographed to the music of composer Dimitar Vultchev. In this exercise, Gigova demonstrated cutting-edge flexibility, spectacular high apparatus tosses, and an unheard-of catch while lying on the floor.
Three-time world champion Maria Gigova finally retired in 1974. Following the completion of her education, she became a member of the FIG Technical Committee, a post Maria Gigova held from 1978 to 1992; she also served as the head of this committee for twelve years. In 1978, the legendary gymnast was named vice president of the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation, and in 1982 she became the federation's president. In 1999 Gigova was once again named president of her country's governing gymnastics organization. Her 13 World Championship medals -- a record that has been broken by only four of her compatriots -- have cemented her status as Bulgaria's original golden girl.
