Boyan Lefterov Becomes World Champion in Cross-Country at Age 70

At the impressive age of 70, Boyan Lefterov proved that age is just a number by becoming the world champion in the 6 km cross-country race for men in the Masters Athletics Championships held in Gothenburg, Sweden. Competing in the 35+ age group, the seasoned Bulgarian athlete claimed the gold medal with an outstanding time of 24:07 minutes. His achievement was further crowned with a silver medal in the 5000-meter race, showcasing his incredible endurance and dedication.

Lefterov had meticulously prepared for the event, planning his participation in four different disciplines: 800 meters, 1500 meters, 5000 meters, and cross-country. He explained that his primary focus was on maintaining his natural abilities, acknowledging that at his age, improvement is more about preservation rather than setting new records. Despite this, his training regime was far from conventional.

“Every morning, I tried to do a cross-country run in a small forest near Pernik, and once a week, I would run on a track, usually doing fartlek training. This gave me about 4-5 training sessions per week. I always aim to do something of quality, but I don’t run at a steady pace. When I can’t run, I do alternative training – mowing grass with a motorized mower or chasing a swarm of bees, and sometimes they fly faster than me – the runner,” Lefterov shared with 360mag.bg.

His unconventional training and sheer determination are what led Lefterov to stand atop the podium, inspiring many with his dedication and passion for athletics even at an age when most people would consider slowing down. His achievements are a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of staying active throughout one’s life.

Boyan Lefterov’s success story is not just about winning medals but also about setting an example of what is possible with dedication, smart training, and a positive mindset.