OLYMPIC SERIES Episode 2 | Ekaterina Avramova: Swimming Through Transitions, Purpose, and the Mental Game [TEAM BULGARIA / TURKEY]

​In this powerful episode of the Professor P Podcast, we dive deep with Olympic swimmer Ekaterina Avramova, a remarkable athlete who has represented both Bulgaria and Turkey on the world stage. As part of our Olympic Series, this conversation uncovers the emotional and mental endurance required to compete at the highest level—and the deeper "why" that fuels it all.

From her defining moment of realizing she wanted to pursue Olympic glory to navigating the complexities of switching national teams, Ekaterina opens up about the obstacles she faced—both in and out of the water. We explore how she found strength through adversity, the mental strategies she relies on to handle Olympic pressure, and how she stays connected to her purpose despite the sacrifices.

She also shares powerful insights into identity, resilience, visualization, and recovery from setbacks. Whether you're an athlete, coach, or someone chasing your own version of greatness, this episode offers a window into the mindset of a champion—and how that mindset can translate far beyond sport.

Key Themes:

• Defining moments and pivotal transitions in her career

• Mental tools for competing at the Olympic level

• Staying motivated through struggle and change

• Life beyond the pool and the legacy she hopes to leave

Get ready to be inspired by the courage, clarity, and competitive spirit of one of swimming’s most compelling figures.

Tune in now—because greatness isn’t just about winning, it’s about enduring with purpose.

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Ekaterina Avramova (born November 12, 1991, in Sofia, Bulgaria) is a professional backstroke swimmer who has represented both Bulgaria and Turkey in international competitions.​

She began her swimming career in Bulgaria, making her international debut at the 2007 European Short Course Championships. After moving to London in 2009 to train with Ealing Swimming Club, she qualified for the 2012 London Olympics, competing in the 100m and 200m backstroke events for Bulgaria. Following funding challenges post-2012, Avramova acquired Turkish citizenship in 2014 and began representing Turkey.​

Avramova competed in the 2016 Rio Olympics for Turkey, participating in the 200m backstroke event. She has achieved significant success, including five gold medals at the 2017 Islamic Solidarity Games and two bronze medals at the 2018 Mediterranean Games. She holds national records in backstroke events for both Bulgaria and Turkey.​

Beyond her athletic career, Avramova is involved in motivational speaking and has served as the UK Director for Champions Factory, a non-profit organization promoting sports and youth development.​