Maria Gigova

Maria Gigova is a retired Bulgarian rhythmic gymnast and sports official who won the World All-around Championship three times, in 1969, 1971 and 1973, while competing for the club CSKA Sofia. She holds a record four gold medals in the hoop event at the World Championships, won in 1967, 1969, 1971 and 1973, an achievement that has never been matched, and she also won individual world titles in rope in 1971 and in free exercise in 1969. Gigova contributed to Bulgarian team gold medals at the World Championships in 1969 and 1971 before retiring from competition in 1974. She later became heavily involved in sports administration, holding leadership roles with the International Gymnastics Federation and the Bulgarian Rhythmic Gymnastics Federation.