Faces of the Games: Though the media tend to focus on a handful of superstars, no fewer than 2,600 athletes competed in the 2010 Vancouver Olympics - every one of whom represents the best the world has to offer. Setting up shop in town, VF.com invited a wide array of athletes - both lesser-known lights and legends in the making - to share their moment of hard-earned glory.

By Jessica Flint, Photographs by Justin Bishop
Vanity Fair / www.vanityfair.com
February 26, 2010

VF #29: ALEXANDRA JEKOVA

Alexandra Jekova (BUL), photo by Justin Bishop / Vanity Fair

Age: 22. Country: Bulgaria. Sport: Snowboard cross, parallel giant slalom. Placed: Could not compete after crashing on a training run. Her injury: “Both my hips were dislocated. I had some internal bleeding which was bad. My tummy was a mess. Yes, it wasn’t a small injury. But [on the] first day they told me you’d need four weeks to step on your feet, and at least four to six months before you can start to walk again. I was freaking out. I was thinking, Oh my gosh, my next season is gone, too! But then I started to work with my physiotherapist, and from a wheelchair, in seven days, he made me walk again! Now I’m walking perfect. I feel a little pain. I want to get back on my board!” Nickname: Ironwoman.

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