European Athletics is saddened to learn of the passing of Galia Puhaleva, Chief Executive of the Bulgarian Athletic Federation, who died on Wednesday 21 May at the age of 50 after a long battle with a serious illness.
Puhaleva devoted more than 20 years of her life to athletics, helping athletes, coaches, clubs, and the Bulgarian Athletic Federation (BAF) with her knowledge and boundless energy.
In addition to her role as CEO of Bulgarian Athletics Federation, she served for over 10 years as Secretary General of Balkan Athletics during a time when the organisation expanded to 22 member federations (2010–2022).
She played a leading role in the organisation of several international athletics events in her home country, including:
- 2008 Balkan Mountain Running Championships in Sapareva Banya
- 2009 Balkan Mountain Running Championships in Teteven
- 2010 European Mountain Running Championships in Sapareva Banya
- Sofia 2011 European Throwing Cup
- 2011 Balkan Championships in Sliven
- 2012 World Half Marathon Championships in Kavarna
- 2013 European Mountain Running Championships in Borovets
- 2013 Balkan Championships in Stara Zagora
- Pravets 2013 European 10,000m Cup
- Samakov 2014 SPAR European Cross Country
- 2015 World Youth Mountain Running Cup in Smolyan
- 2015 Stara Zagora European Athletics Team Championships
- 2016 World Mountain Running Championships in Sapareva Banya
- 2018 Balkan Championships in Stara Zagora
- 2019 Balkan Championships in Pravets
- 2021 Stara Zagora European Athletics Team Championships
Puhaleva was also a key organiser of the Balkan Athletics Galas and contributed her time to various commissions within European Athletics.
Highly respected
In recent years, Galia also worked as an associate to European Athletics President Dobromir Karamarinov, and the heads of all European athletic federations spoke her name with respect.
Despite the intense and demanding nature of her work, she found time for passions outside athletics: swimming in rivers or seas regardless of water temperature, dancing whenever the cultural programs of competitions allowed.
As a volunteer, she also devoted time to rescuing homeless and wild animals, saving dozens with the help of foundations specialised in this work.
European Athletics send its heartfelt condolences to Galia's family and friends and everyone in the Bulgarian athletics community.
Chris Broadbent for European Athletics