Editing Varna, Bulgaria (section)

=== Swimming ===
Modern Bulgarian swimming dates to 18 May 1923 when the Bulgarian Public Marine Union was established in Varna. The organisation was the first to manage and administer swimming as a sport in Bulgaria. Famous Bulgarian swimmers from Varna are Aleksi Aleksiev (aka the Pope), Milko Rachev (aka Brother Milko), Maria Nikolova, [[Yulyan Rusev|Julian Rusev]]. Some of the leading swimming clubs are PSK Cherno More, KPS Asteri, KPS Torpedo, SKPS Albatros and KPS Cherno More.

Julian Rusev pool is the second oldest 50 m Olympic-size pool in the country, built in 1964 and located on the South beach in Varna. After a major redevelopment in 2008 council owned entity was established named Swimming Complex "Primorski". The 50m pool, now in line with [[FINA]] pool criteria, was adjacent to the water polo and diving pool "Aleksi Aleksiev". Subsequently, a third 25 m covered pool was built next to the diving pool along with a SPA & gym centre.
There are three other swimming pools in the city.

On the first Sunday of August the marathon "Galata – Varna" takes place, the oldest Bulgarian [[Marathon swimming|swimming marathon]]. It dates back to 1939 and it attracts nearly 300 national and foreign swimmers. Bulgaria greatest swimmer [[Petar Stoychev]] holds the all-time record of 46 min for swimming the 4.5&nbsp;km open water distance, crossing the Varna Bay.