Inspiring Bulgaria’s Next Generation: The “Path of Glory”

In the town of Samokov, Bulgaria, usually known for it’s winter sports season, wrestling champions of past and present came together not just to compete, but to connect across cultures — igniting the dreams of a new generation of wrestlers in the heart of Bulgaria.

Wrestling for Peace (W4P), in partnership with USA Wrestling, Wrestle Like a Girl, Suples Training Systems, and the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation, invited teams USA and Bulgaria to briefly step away from their training — to stand with aspiring children, sharing their strength, encouragement, and joy.

Kicking off the event was Nicole Fox, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria. Fox lent U.S. diplomatic presence to the event rooted in grassroots power, helping to underscore that sport builds bridges stronger than borders. She celebrated the strength of the Bulgarian Wrestling Federation and praised the diplomatic success of wrestling as a bridge-builder between the two nations.

A Field of Dreams on Sacred Ground

The event took place on the front steps of Samokov Arena, just minutes before the opening ceremonies of the 2025 U20 World Wrestling Championships — a symbolic space where sports’ greatest warriors would compete head to head for global glory.

In this epic second installment of the 2025 W4P campaign, Magdalena Ivanova, Bulgarian reality TV star and daughter of Ivan Ivanov, Bulgarian Olympic and World medalist and founder of Suples Training Systems, introduced the “Path of Glory,” a creative and empowering fitness course developed by Ivanova’s father.

Nearly 60 children, many surrounded by proud parents, siblings, and grandparents, took center stage. The setting made the experience even more powerful as the next generation exhibited their heart and skill just feet from where their heroes would soon take to the mat.

Ambassadors for Peace and Possibility

Wrestling for Peace Executive Director and Chairman, Daniel Russell, welcomed the crowd and introduced W4P Ambassadors Ivanova and Nicole Tyson, a Junior World Champion, Pan Am Champion, and Olympic-level coach, as the co-collaborators for the event. These two powerful women embody the message of Wrestling for Peace — that wrestling can be a powerful vehicle for change, connection, and hope. Taking the stage, Ivanova was met with a loud roar from the crowd as she led the children through the “Path of Glory” program with a perfect balance of discipline and delight.

Team USA, the nation’s very best female athletes under the age of 20, joined in on the fun. The lineup boasts young women in serious contention for individual world medals as well as the prized team trophy. Coached by Randi Miller and Jeff McGuinness, this team roster is the product of years of sacrifice, relentless training, and unshakable determination:

-50 kg Audrey Jimenez
-53 kg Abigale Cooper
-55 kg Everest Leydecker
-57 kg Carissa Qureshi
-59 kg Aubrey Krazer
-62 kg Haylie Jaffe
-65 kg Daniella Nugent
-68 kg Jordyn Fouse
-72 kg Jasmine Robinson
-76 kg Naomi Simon

Bridges Built Through Sport

Team USA was joined by an impressive Bulgarian lineup, including:

• Tarek Abdelsalam, European Champion

• Bilyana Dudova, World Champion, 10‑time World and European medalist, and 2024 Olympian

• Ivo Angelov, Greco‑Roman World Champion

These Bulgarian wrestling legends added their voices to the moment, elevating the day, and reminding the children that their heroes see them and believe in them.

The impressive lineup of wrestling legends continued as W4P Ambassador, Nicole Tyson, highlighted three former athletes, now USA Wrestling coaches:

• Clarissa Chun, World Champion and Olympic Medalist, smiled and shouted support as the children leapt, sprinted, and somersaulted through the “Path of Glory” course.

• Randi Miller, who won her own Olympic medal exactly 17 years ago to the day, chose to honor that milestone by lifting others up.

• Robby Smith, a USA Olympian and Greco‑Roman legend, brought full energy and joy, cheering every child like they were already a champion.

A Moment to Remember

As the last child completed the “Path of Glory” course, the applause swelled from athletes, coaches, and the dozens of loved ones standing proudly along the stone steps. Helping to create a moment the children will never forget, Team USA handed out prizes and posters, offering autographs, hugs, and high fives.

A final group photo captured the profound moment — people from different countries and cultures all standing together for something greater than themselves. The magic continued as the children were invited to the Opening Ceremonies of the 2025 World Wrestling Championships, their eyes wide with wonder as they imagined their own futures on the mat.

Purpose Beyond the Podium

Adding to the spirit of the moment was Jeffery Waters, Chairman of the U.S. Wrestling Foundation and newly appointed Development Team Leader for USA Wrestling’s Women’s Freestyle — His smile and presence a powerful reminder of the leadership supporting both women’s wrestling and community engagement. But this was no ordinary community event. It was a legacy moment. A bridge between nations. A snapshot of what sport can be when rooted in compassion and guided by purpose.

Real strength doesn’t just show up in competition. It shows up in service, in lifting others up. Even while preparing for potential world individual and team titles, team USA chose purpose beyond the podium. They didn’t just attend — they leaned in. They brought heart, voice, and presence to every moment, showing the children what it looks like to lead with character as well as talent.

Seventeen years to the day since coach Randi Miller stood on the award stand at the Beijing Olympics, she found herself in a Bulgarian plaza cheering on a new generation — a living testament that true success is measured in moments like these. For a few brief moments in Samokov, wrestling became more than a sport. It became a mission — one of peace, purpose, and powerful human connection.

For more information, visit wrestlingforpeace.org