Atanassov joins the Saints’ staff in 2017 after spending four season with the University of Washington, where he worked with multi-event athletes and the high jumpers. He coached Jeremy Taiwo in 2012-13, who broke the world record heptathlon high jump at 2.25-meters or 7-feet 4.5-inches. Atanassov’s coaching achievements extend to 11th place finish for Team USA in the decathlon at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, second at the 2016 IAAF Combined Events Challenge, second in the decathlon at the 2013 NCAA Championships and third place in the decathlon at the 2013 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships.
Atanassov impressive resume also features three top-five finishes in multiple events, including third place at the 2016 Pac-12 Outdoor Track & Field Championships in the high jump. Atanassov helped lead the Huskies to five top-eight finishes over three different events at the MPSF Indoor Championships and Pac-12 Combined Events Championships during the 2015-16 season.
Before traveling in the United States, Atanassov coached 12 National Champions in Bulgaria, which included three in the long jump, five in the high jump, two in the 400-meter and two in the decathlon. Atanassov is USATF Level 1 certified.
