Stefka Kostadinova

Biography

Stefka Kostadinova's high jump world record of 2.09m, set in Rome in 1987, has stood for 39 years — the longest-standing individual world record in women's athletics. The Bulgarian jumper won Olympic gold at Atlanta 1996, adding to her World Championship gold and three silvers. Her technique was considered flawless, her clearance at 2.09m so clean that coaches still study the footage. Nearly four decades later, nobody has come close.

Career Highlights

• 1 Olympic gold (1996)
• 1 Olympic silver (1988)
• HJ WR 2.09m (1987, still standing)
• 1 World Championship gold, 3 WC silvers
• Longest-standing WR in women's athletics

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