Dian Kolev

Dian Hristov Kolev was born in Turgovishte, Bulgaria on December 13th, 1965, the son of Dimitrinka Germanova and Hristo Kolev. Dian had an interest in gymnastics very early on and started the sport when he was about two years old with his father as his coach. His talent and passion for the sport became clear pretty quickly.

In 7th grade, Dian made the courageous decision to leave home and attend a special school where kids with athletic ability could focus on improving in their sport in Varna, Bulgaria where he would graduate from.

Dian went on to compete in the 1988 Olympics in Seoul and the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. He finished 4th on Vault in the 1988 Olympics missing the bronze medal by .038. He also assisted the Bulgarian team in their 5th place finish in Seoul and 10th place in Barcelona. He retired from his Gymnastics career in 1995 and went on to coach the boys team at Michigan Academy of Gymnastics in Westland, Michigan for the next 18 years.

During his training for the Olympics in 1988, Dian met Mariana Plugchieva. They got married a year later and had their first daughter in 1990 and their second daughter in 2004. They made the decision to begin the process of moving to the United States and Dian moved to Michigan in 1995. His family was able to join him shortly after in 1996.

Gymnastics remained a huge part of their lives. Dian showed tremendous dedication and passion to not only the sport, but all of the boys he coached. He was and continues to be an inspiration to his family as well as everyone he has coached and mentored. He always gave his all when coaching and only wanted the best for his team. He viewed all of the boys he coached as if they were his own kids and even taught some of them how to drive. He will be forever loved and missed and will always remain a huge part of the gymnastics community as well as in the many lives he has helped shape and guide.