Enyu Valchev

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexMale
Full nameEnyu Valchev•Dimov
Used nameEnyu•Valchev
Original nameЕню Вълчев•Димов
Born4 January 1936 in Polski Gradets, Stara Zagora (BUL)
Died15 February 2014 in Sofia, Sofia Grad (BUL)
Measurements170 cm / 67 kg
AffiliationsCSKA (Central Sport Klub Army), Sofia/Minor Dimitrovgrad/Levski-Spartak Club
NOC Bulgaria
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 1
Bronze 1
Total 3

Biography

Wrestling in the freestyle lightweight class his entire career, Enyu Valchev was a medal contender in every tournament in which he competed. Competing at three Olympic Games, Valchev won a full set of medals – gold in 1964, silver in 1968 and bronze in 1960. At the World Championships, Valchev won gold in 1962, silvers in 1959 and 1969 and bronze in 1967, while finishing fourth in 1965, fifth in 1966 and sixth in 1963. At the European Championships Valchev won golds in 1968 and 1969 and bronze in 1967. He also won 5 Balkan titles and 14 Bulgarian titles during his career. After finishing his sporting career, Valchev worked as a wrestling coach, serving as head coach of the Bulgarian national junior team until his retirement in 1990. Valchev was elected to the FILA International Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2005.

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1960 Summer Olympics Wrestling BUL Enyu Valchev
Lightweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1964 Summer Olympics Wrestling BUL Enyu Valchev
Lightweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 1 Gold
1968 Summer Olympics Wrestling BUL Enyu Valchev
Lightweight, Freestyle, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1964 Summer Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony BUL Enyu Valchev