Legendary Yovchev Mulls Entry into Bulgaria's Political Arena

Bulgaria's Yordan Yovchev, 39, who became last year the first ever male gymnast to compete in six Olympic Games, does not rule out making a political move.

"I used to watch many movies as a child, this must have instilled in me the belief that sooner or later - good always wins over evil," the legendary sportsman said in an interview for sportni.bg.

But before his plans become clear all his fans will be able to enjoy an unforgettable benefice show that their idol has promised.

Many political and showbiz celebrities are expected to attend this historic sport event. Gymnastics fans are looking impatiently forward to see again in action the man, who made history by becoming the first ever male gymnast to compete in six Olympic Games, only to announce officially the end of his competitive sport career shortly afterwards. Hundreds of them are expected to turn up at Sofia's Arena Armeets sports hall on February 23.

The revenues raised at the event will be used for the future development of gymnastics in Bulgaria.

Yovchev's spirited performance in the Olympics rings final earned him the seventh place on August 6, as he was ardently applauded both by the audience and his much younger rivals.

Yovchev has been battling serious shoulder injuries and recently admitted he has been trying different types of treatment to ease the pain.

The four-times world champion never had the chance to win an Olympic gold medal.

In the rings competition of the 2004 Athens Olympic Games, Dimosthenis Tampakos of Greece received a generous score of 9.862. Then Yovchev, with a perfect performance, superior in every way, received a 9.850.

Yovchev said he has been robbed, while Bulgarian media slammed the decision of the judges as the "theft of the century".

The inspiring gymnast is now the president of his country's gymnastics federation.