Amongst the authorities greeting Dr Nebiolo on his arrival in Sofia, was the countrys most famous athlete, world record holder and Olympic champion high jumper, Stefka Kostadinova. Kostadinova was unable to participate in the world championships in Athens in August and updated Nebiolo, the president of the IAAF, on her current condition. Following two operations on her left foot - the latest just two weeks ago, in Stuttgart - Stefka Kostadinova, who has a three year old son, should shortly start training again in preparation for the start of the 1998 competition season next spring.
During the ceremony celebrating the 50th anniversary of the rebirth of the sports university in Bulgaria, Dr Nebiolo was awarded an honorary degree for his contributions to the development of sport world-wide.
Nebiolo was later received by the mayor of Sofia, Stefan Sofianski, who presented him with the freedom of the city.
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