Rumyana Neykova (L front), winner of Women's Single Sculls of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rowing event, shows the gold medal on her son's neck at the airport in Sofia, Bulgaria, Aug. 18, 2008. (Xinhua/Xie Xuemin) Photo Gallery>>>

Rumyana Neykova (C), winner of Women's Single Sculls of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rowing event, answers the reporters as she arrives at the airport in Sofia, Bulgaria, Aug. 18, 2008. (Xinhua/Wang Meng) Photo Gallery>>>

Bulgarian rower snatches gold in women's single sculls

Rumyana Neykova of Bulgaria competes during Women's Single Sculls Final A of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games rowing event at Shunyi Rowing-Canoeing Park in Beijing, China, Aug. 16, 2008. Rumyana Neykova won the gold medal of the event. (Xinhua/Wang Lei) Photo Gallery>>>

    BEIJING, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian rower Rumyana Neykova snatched the gold medal in women's single sculls in rowing at Beijing Olympics held in Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park on Saturday.

    The Bulgarian rower crossed the finish line with a result of seven minutes 22.34 seconds, followed by U.S. rower Michelle Guerette with a result of 7:22.78 and Belarusian rower Ekterina Karsten at 7:23.98. Chinese rower Zhang Xiuyun finished fourth place with a result of 7:25.48.

    "Until the end I still couldn't believe what I have achieved," Neykova said after the race.  Full story