Never too old for a flip

Since winning his first international medal in 1995,Jovtchev has scooped four at the Olympics,13 at the world championships and nine at the Europeans. Although he is prepared to battle through the pain barrier with gritted teeth over the next week,Jovtchev is realistic that his hopes of winning an elusive Olympic gold is all but over.

I guess my body is telling me Im too old for this. Im just doing what Im capable of doing. I dont really care. I know I am the oldest gymnast here and everybody knows that,Jovtchev,who has won world titles on rings and the floor, he said.

I am just doing rings. I8217;m just trying to survive. My bodys falling apart. My goal is to be here and enjoy the Olympic Games without any pressure this time,added Jovtchev, who will retire after the Games.

While Jovtchev might feel like a relic competing against a bunch of 20 somethings,he is keen to leave a lasting legacy in the sport. I just wanted to do another Olympics because Ill be the only male gymnast who has been to six Olympics. To be here is unique, said the Bulgarian.

It hurts that I never won an Olympic gold. Im getting old and my chances are now limited to almost zero. Im not really counting on a gold anymore. Im competing just for fun.