Milen Dobrev’s first success came at the 1996 European Junior Championships, where he earned a bronze medal. His breakthrough with the seniors came five years later, winning a bronze in the under 85 kg class at the World Championships. Dobrev then moved up to the 94 kg class, where he became a top competitor. He won Olympic gold in 2004 at Athina, and was also World Champion in 2003 at Vancouver, and won European titles in 2003 and 2004. His other major international podiums included silvers at the 2002 European and World Championships, and bronze at the World Championships in 2005. He struggled with injuries in the following years, and was unable to defend his Olympic title in 2008, hampered by an injury. In the years following his retirement from sport, Dobrev had a recurring alcohol problem, and was treated in clinics several times. At age 35, he was found dead in his apartment, ostensibly by heart attack.
Bulgaria