Petko Politov
A profile of C.O.R.F.I.T.’s latest addition to the Head Office Team: Petko Politov, C.O.R.F.I.T. European Associate.
I had arrived at the national sports academy to teach our class of 41 students with great expectation. Our first three lessons had been just terrific and I was excited to see what we would accomplish on this day. However, I was shocked to learn that my co-teacher and interpreter had vanished! What to do now?
I began to explain to the group our dilemma, when one young man stood up and stated matter-of-factly: "I speak some English and know the scientific terminology quite well. I believe I may be able to help in this situation."
"I believe I may be able to help in this situation," represented the not only the understatement of the year, but of the 18-year history of C.O.R.F.I.T.!
And so it began, a quick introduction and Petko Politov was translating his first line of text to the class. I watched the group respond very positively to the young gentleman with a calm demeanor and clear voice. I saw the collective eyes of the students as they listened to every word this masterful speaker said. I was so amazed by Petko's performance that I sometimes forgot to speak as I was drawn to his presentation.
Glen Cunningham (left) and Petko Politov (right) stand outside the National Sports Academy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
My admiration for this earnest, hardworking and (as it came increasingly clear) brilliant teacher grew with each assignment. No task was too great, no distance too far and no day too long for this dedicated colleague. Petko worked the morning sessions translating the scientific text and continued long into the late afternoon interpreting my explanations of the entire movement methodology portfolio. Petko also miraculously made the time to provide written translation of both our Personal Trainer and Performance Nutrition theory evaluations. As well, Petko rode the bus across the width of Sofia from his home to the National Sports Academy campus to deliver various papers of importance for our students; all the while, never hinting the slightest sign of fatigue.
Each morning he appeared on campus long before class ready to go over the important points of his expected presentation. Even when our co-teacher returned a couple of days later, the students cried out for Petko to remain at the head of the class. What should be noted as well is that despite his round-the-clock effort for C.O.R.F.I.T. Petko excelled in gaining his Personal Trainer and Performance Nutrition C.O.R.F.I.T. certificates.
It was inspiring to witness the report that developed between Petko and our students who were so appreciative of Petko's work that they even presented him with a gift at the conclusion of the course.
However, it was not only the students who benefited from Petko's work. It was extremely motivating for me also to work in harmony with this outstanding ally everyday, and for this I can not that him enough.
Beyond his academic contributions, Petko proved to be a most unique individual possessing a huge heart and an unparalleled spirit. The twenty-three-year-old Plovdiv (Bulgaria Native) came by his academic standing the old-fashioned way, he earned it. Petko attended English language school from 1995 to 2000 and then was accepted at the prestigious University of National and World Economy in the faculty of law. Yet for Petko this was not enough. He is currently preparing for a new realm of study undertaking a demanding physics degree in Bliefeld, Germany where be joined by his fiance, Borislava, whom he met two years ago.
Oh, I forgot to mention, Petko just recently returned to Sofia from Germany where he went to learn the German language in preparation for his studies. Do you get the feeling that this scholar doesn't merely win his "battles with the books", but that he annihilates them!
Speaking of "battling", Petko is an accomplished Martial Artists having studied in the specific areas on Gensei Ryu Budo (a style under the heading of Aikido). Petko latter followed the doctrines of Karate. As well, he has also enjoyed an eight year strength training and bodybuilding career. Shawn Ray and Lee Labrada are his favorite bodybuilders.
Petko also likes the mellow side of life, as he enjoy hikes in the mountains and reading a good book. His favorite authors include Robert Heinlein, Robert Howard, and Carlos Castaneda among others.
Petko Politov presence in the C.O.R.F.I.T. classroom provided breathing testament to the promised immortality of that special bread apart in our midst that have been chosen to lead. Petko's manifestations of the unique qualities of pride and determination, coupled with an other-oriented psyche, has allowed his to ascend to that elusive level entitled the "Humanitarian". Spurred by a will to succeed and the rowel that propels derived of the highest order of all; it is that most unique attribute that is reserved for only the precious few... it is called class.