Tell me a bio of Yordanka Donkova.

Include key facts about their life, career, achievements, and impact.

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Yordanka Donkova is a Bulgarian former track and field athlete, best known for her achievements in the 100 meters hurdles. Born on September 19, 1964, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, Donkova is widely regarded as one of the greatest female hurdlers in history.

**Early Life and Career**

Donkova began her athletic career at a young age, competing in various track and field events. She rose to prominence in the late 1980s, winning multiple national championships in Bulgaria. Her breakthrough performance came in 1986, when she set a new European record in the 100 meters hurdles with a time of 12.21 seconds.

**Achievements**

Donkova's career was marked by numerous achievements, including:

1. **World Record Holder**: Donkova held the world record in the 100 meters hurdles for over 17 years, with a time of 12.21 seconds set in 1988.
2. **Olympic Champion**: Donkova won the gold medal in the 100 meters hurdles at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, with a time of 12.38 seconds.
3. **European Champion**: Donkova won the gold medal in the 100 meters hurdles at the 1986 European Championships, with a time of 12.38 seconds.
4. **Multiple World Championship Medals**: Donkova won multiple medals at the World Championships, including gold in 1987 and silver in 1991.

**Impact**

Donkova's impact on the sport of track and field is significant. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest female hurdlers in history, and her world record stood for over 17 years. Her achievements inspired a generation of athletes, and she remains a beloved figure in Bulgarian sports.

**Post-Athletic Career**

After retiring from athletics in 1992, Donkova went on to become a successful coach and sports administrator. She has worked with various athletic organizations, including the Bulgarian Athletics Federation, and has been involved in promoting women's sports in Bulgaria.

**Legacy**

Yordanka Donkova's legacy extends beyond her impressive athletic achievements. She is a symbol of Bulgarian sports excellence and a source of inspiration for young athletes. Her contributions to the sport of track and field have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including being inducted into the IAAF Hall of Fame in 2012.
Yordanka Donkova is a Bulgarian former track and field athlete. Born on December 24, 1964, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, she is widely known for being one of the greatest female high jumpers of all time.

**Early Life and Career**

Donkova started her athletic career at a young age and quickly made a name for herself in Bulgarian athletics. She won her first national championship in the high jump at the age of 17 and went on to dominate the sport in the 1980s.

**Career Achievements**

Throughout her career, Donkova won numerous awards and set multiple records in the high jump. Some of her most notable achievements include:

- Olympic silver medalist (1988)
- European Indoor champion (1988)
- Two-time World Cup gold medalist (1989, 1991)
- Eight-time European Indoor champion (1988-1994)
- Bulgarian record holder in the high jump for over 25 years

**Impact**

Donkova's success in the high jump inspired a new generation of athletes, particularly in Eastern Europe. Her dominance in the sport during the late 1980s and early 1990s cemented her status as one of the greatest female high jumpers of all time.

**Legacy**

Donkova's achievements extended beyond her impressive athletic career. She became an ambassador for Bulgarian athletics and an inspiration to young athletes around the world. Her dedication to the sport and her pursuit of excellence raised the bar for female high jumpers and paved the way for future generations of female athletes.

Donkova retired from competitive athletics in 1994 and has since gone on to work in various capacities, including coaching and promoting athletics in Bulgaria. Her impact on the sport and her enduring legacy as a champion athlete continue to be celebrated by fans and athletes alike.