Taking a stroll through the center of hot Sofia and finding yourself surrounded by Bulgaria’s unforgettable sports glory — that’s exactly what can happen to anyone passing through one of the capital’s iconic parks- Crystal Garden. Until August 5, it hosts the photo exhibition "3 Seconds Eternal Lead", dedicated to the life and achievements of Vasil Radev (1961–2025) — world rowing champion, eighth at the 1988 Seoul Olympics, multiple Balkan champion and winner of some of the most prestigious international regattas, including the legendary Henley Royal Regatta, often described as the Wimbledon of rowing, the event’s PR Gergana Stanoeva told BNR–Radio Sofia.

And while many vividly remember Rumyana Neykova’s photo finish in the women’s single sculls final at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, or the judges’ scores given to gymnast Yordan Yovchev in the rings final in Athens2004 — competitions that brought Bulgaria silver medals with a golden shine — another competition brings a different emotion that is worth telling.

The year is 1987, the date – August 28. The first semifinal race in the men’s double sculls at the World Rowing Championships on Lake Bagsværd near Copenhagen, Denmark, has just ended. In the boat flying the Bulgarian flag are two of the country’s top rowers of the time – Daniel Yordanov and Vasil Radev. A photo finish is needed to determine the third-place crew, the one that will earn a spot in the final.

What followed was thirteen long minutes for the Bulgarian team that felt like an eternity, during which no decision was made. And then the results appeared on the scoreboard- the Bulgarians were third, just ahead of the USSR crew. However, the real sporting feat and display of mental strength came the following day – August 29. Daniel Yordanov and Vasil Radev took the lead from the very beginning, delivered one of their best races ever, and covered the 2,000-meter distance in 7:03.33 minutes, finishing first.

They beat Andreas Schmelz and Ralf Thienel from The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) by a full 3 seconds. Uwe Uwe Sägling and Uwe Heppner from the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) placed third. Bulgaria had its first world champions in the men’s double sculls- a historic achievement that remains one of the most significant in the country’s rowing history. More races, victories and disappointments followed.

After the end of his sporting career, Vasil Radev remained committed to the development of rowing in Bulgaria, sharing his experience with young athletes. Earlier this year (January 14, 2025), the great Bulgarian athlete passed away at the age of 64 after an illness. However, he left behind a lasting spirit of perseverance, determination and achievements — a legacy reflected by the exhibition "3 Seconds Eternal Lead."

"The exhibition traces key moments from Vasil Radev's life and sporting career. There are images that tell the story of a man who, beyond winning medals, shaped generations of rowers with values like perseverance, respect and dedication. That is precisely why the rowing club 'Electron' organized this exhibition, because Radev remained its head coach until the very end, training children of all ages, from seven or eight-year-olds to athletes in their forties.

 'Electron' is one of the leading rowing clubs both nationally and internationally. Vasil Radev trained some of our best athletes, who are currently competing at the 2025 World Rowing Under-23 Championships in Poznań, Poland (July 23–27)", says Gergana Stanoeva. 

The exhibition "3 Seconds Eternal Lead" is organized by Electron Rowing Club and can be viewed until August 5 in the Crystal Garden.