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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Bulgarian snowboard star Alex Jekova - One of Most Attractive Winter Olympians

Bulgarian snowboarding star, Alexandra Jekova, has taken part in a photo shoot for the popular Vanity Fair magazine in Vancouver after being picked as one of the most attractive women at the Winter Olympics.

The half hour photo session was made on Wednesday morning at the Vanity Fair offices close to the Vancouver Olympic village. The photos will be posted on the internet site of Vanity Fair at the end of the week.

Jekova was also listed as one of the top ten most beautiful Winter Olympians on the popular site covers.com.

Last week, sources from the Bulgarian headquarters in Vancouver revealed that there was a huge Australian interest in Jekova as she is the girlfriend of Australian snowboarder Alex Pullin.

Jekova, who was tipped for one of the few gold medals for the country at the Winter Olympic Games at Vancouver, was forced to quit the competition due to injury.

novnite.com
February 24, 2010, Wednesday