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Interview: Stiliana Nikolova (BUL) eyes 2025 season with restored confidence
March 24, 2025News
Bulgarian starlet Stiliana Nikolova experienced a rollercoaster of a ride in 2024. From the thrill of winning her first European all-around title to the disappointment of not qualifying for the final at the Paris Olympic Games, the event that dominated her training plans, and her mind, for 2024.
“At the beginning of the year [2024], I was excited for this Olympic year. I was hoping for the best to achieve my goal at the Olympics, that was my dream”, the now 19-year-old fan favourite admits. Nikolova had a tough time during the qualification rounds in Paris, ultimately placing 11th. Only the top 10 advanced to the final.
Just 2 month earlier, Nikolova showed her talent and readiness at the European Championships in the Hungarian capital Budapest where she won the all-around title after an inspiring performance with all 4 apparatuses. “Everything was one amazing experience, full of happiness, joy. And I felt really proud of myself that I managed to do my job”, Nikolova looks back on Budapest.
I knew I was capable of it if I play all my routines clean, but my goal was to do all four of my routines perfect. I knew that I could be the first because we had the European Cup before that where I actually was first and I just knew that if I do my job, it's possible. After the last routines, I had tears of joy. I was very relieved that I did what I had to do and when we were sitting, I was honestly just happy and I was enjoying the moment.
Victorious at the inaugural European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics, Nikolova comments on the new format of ‘Cross Battles’ which puts the gymnasts in direct competition with each other. “It was different and it was kind of fun. You also have to be very into the competition. But it was different and I really enjoyed having this atmosphere in the competition.”
A popular gymnast wherever she goes, Nikolova acknowledges her fans: “I'm honestly so thankful to these people and it's very nice to know that people love you and support you from all over the world.”
Taking some time after the Olympics to realign her goals, Nikolova is ready for the new Olympic cycle:
I had one month of freedom without training. So yes, I had some time for myself [after the Olympics]. It was hard, but it's part of my career. The next 12 months are going to be interesting because now we have new Code of Points and a lot of small gymnasts are coming to seniors and I think it will be interesting to watch.
Wishing you all the best, Stili!
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