Georgi Ivanov, a Maryville University assistant wrestling coach, won his semifinal match in the World Olympic Qualifier in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and has qualified to compete as a member of the Bulgarian wrestling team during 2016 Olympics to be held in Brazil this August. He will participate in the 74-kilogram weight classification (163 pounds) in freestyle wrestling.

"The whole experience was amazing. It's a dream come true for me," said Ivanov. "Right after the collegiate season was over, I started training more intensely and preparing for this event."

Born and raised in Bulgaria, Ivanov moved to the U.S. 10 years ago. He wrestled at the University of Nebraska-Omaha for coach Mike Denney, who just completed his fifth season coaching Maryville's wrestling team. After finishing his education at Boise State two years ago, Ivanov moved to St. Louis to assist his former coach.

"Making it to the finals assured me a spot in Rio 2016," Ivanov said. "I haven't set my schedule for where I will be competing before the Olympics, but it would all be in preparation for the Olympics."