Valentin Petrov: Rise

Born in Ruse, Valentin trains from a young age and tries various sports until he discovers bodybuilding as his true calling. Early successes as a teenager inspire him to push forward, turning his hobby into a real goal. After finishing high school, he emigrates to Austria in search of opportunities and a better environment for growth. The COVID-19 pandemic forces him to return to Bulgaria temporarily, but soon he moves again – this time to England, where he balances physically demanding work with intense training and a strict regimen. His first major breakthrough comes with his professional debut and victory at the Arnold Classic UK, which puts him on the international stage and changes the course of his career. In 2022, Valentin decides to compete in the Mr. Olympia, which takes him to the United States. A series of crucial competitions follow, each bringing him closer to his goal. The intense preparation, pressure, and physical exhaustion gradually reveal the high cost of ambition and the risks of professional bodybuilding. Under the strain of grueling training and competitions, he develops an eating disorder that affects his physical form. Despite all obstacles, he manages to qualify and steps onto the stage of Mr. Olympia. With this achievement, Valentin Petrov makes history as the second Bulgarian to stand on this legendary stage.