16th February 2010 01:54
In the eighth in a series of profiles of the national winners of the inaugural Women's Leadership Awards, European Athletics speaks to Bulgaria's Liliyana Videva.
Many critics judge the quality of a coach by the success of their athletes. Liliyana Videva has not only positively impacted numerous athletes' lives as a coach, but she has also staked her claim as a coach of top tier athletes who have been youth, world junior, European, and national champions throughout their career.
With a successful career and strong coaching reputation already built, Videva's rich passion for athletics shows no signs of slowing down.
'My work as athletics coach is my life. It's been 22 years since I started this job and I don't intend to quit' Videva said.
Videva's success with top tier athletes does add extra motivation, which she appreciates.
'I love my job, all sports but especially athletics. This is what I like the most. When I have success, I am so filled with joy and satisfaction.'
Prior to her coaching career, Videva's starred as an athlete in the High Jump where she won the champion's titles in several age group meetings.
Wishing to stay connected with the sport, Videva moved into her first coaching role upon her retirement as an athlete. Now, 22 years since her first coaching position, she finds herself connected to some of the top Bulgarian athletes from the last two decades.
She coached long jumper Petar Dachev, who was the World Junior champion in 1998 and European Indoor champion in 2000. Mirela Demireva, a high jumper, is another athlete guided by coach Videva who has won several medals from World and European Under-23 and Junior championships and has been National and Balkan champion in the both the juniors and seniors category.
Additionally, the current National champion in the women's Long Jump and Triple Jump, Petya Dacheva, is also working with Videva.
As driven as Videva is by her past and current athletes' success, she is equally proud of being able to spend time coaching young athletes. For the past 15 years, Videva has coached athletes at different levels. For her efforts, both with top tier and youth over her career, Videva was named Coach of the Year in Bulgaria.
Videva is very optimistic about the future position of women in athletics. This may be a result of her own experiences as a top tier coach in her country. Videva saw no major obstacles to her own advancement.
'I cannot say that women coaches in Bulgaria have any gender related problems. When it comes to professionalism I don't divide people to men or women, but to ones who can or cannot do the job.'
'Bulgarian Athletic Federation has always supported me in my work and I've never felt discriminated in any way. My family and closest people also respect my work and back me up whenever I need their support.'
Videva views women, in many areas of everyday life, to be making great strides and sees their involvement in athletics to be no different.
'I think women will balance men in terms of success and numbers. We too are giving our contribution to the development of sport worldwide. I am glad that I am part of it.'
'As in every profession, women have their place in sports. The multiple successes of athletes coached by women can prove that. I feel that the number of women is steadily catching up with men in all areas of our life.'
Videva is indeed proud to be a winner of the inaugural Women's Leadership Award and feels the award contributes to the cause of women in sports.
'Awards like this are a good recognition for women and focus the attention of the audience on our achievements.'