The 90-minute long extravaganza in the Bulgarian capital showcased music, drama, comedy, lights and performances in all disciplines of gymnastics, as well as featuring pop stars, musicians and the world famous Neshka Robeva dance troupe, to the audience in the full 12,500-capacity Arena Armeec.

Based on the personal story of Iovtchev and called "The Road", the show brought its viewers to their feet when the Atlanta 1996 Olympic rings champion and Athens 2004 bronze medallist Yuri Chechi made a surprise live appearance - the Italian gymnast is loved in Bulgaria for his support to Iovtchev when the latter won silver instead of gold in Athens.


"I came here to express my deepest respect to Iordan, whom I consider not only an extraordinary gymnast, but also an extraordinary man with an amazing spirit and a big heart," Chechi said.

"I am deeply impressed by the scale, the class and the enthusiasm of this celebration which shows how deeply and truly Iordan is loved in his country.

"It is fully deserved."

Italian Athens 2004 horizontal bar gold medallist Igor Cassina made an appearance as part of the cast, while the Sydney 2000 all-around champion Alexei Nemov of Russia applauded the show from the VIP tribunes.

The audience concluded the gala with a long standing ovation for Iovtchev.


"It is still difficult to imagine that I will not be competing anymore," he admitted.

"I will surely miss it a lot but I suppose I will get used to this eventually.

"Now is the time to concentrate on my responsibilities as the President of the Bulgarian Gymnastics Federation.

"The next big project we have to make a success is the 2014 European Championships in my native city of Plovdiv."

Iovtchev was also awarded the highest state honour, the Order "Stara Planina", by the Bulgarian President Rosen Plevneliev of the eve of the show.

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