Triathlon | Aquathlon | Former NCAA Division I Swimmer | Founder & Head Coach at Kosmos Triathlon LLC
Petar Bozhilov is a Bulgarian triathlete, aquathlete, and former NCAA Division I swimmer from Southern Methodist University (SMU). A native of Sofia, Bulgaria, he began swimming at the age of five and quickly rose to prominence, winning over 600 medals at national and international competitions and setting more than 60 Bulgarian national records. In 2017, he ranked 13th globally in the 1500m freestyle and still holds multiple all-time top performer records at SMU.
Petar graduated from SMU with a BBA in Finance, specializing in Alternative Asset Management, while competing as a student-athlete in one of the most competitive collegiate swimming programs in the United States. Since 2025, he has been training full-time in triathlon, where he is currently ranked as the #2 triathlete in Bulgaria. His long-term ambition is to represent Bulgaria at the 2028 or 2032 Olympic Games.
Beyond competing, Petar is the founder and head coach of Kosmos Swim School and Kosmos Triathlon (www.kosmostri.com), which he runs together with his brother Alex. Through these programs, he coaches and mentors swimmers and triathletes of all ages, combining international experience with a structured, athlete-centered approach.
Outside of sport, Petar is passionate about skiing, heavy metal music, sailing, hiking, and playing the electric guitar. He thrives on challenges and embraces a philosophy of living life to the fullest, both in and out of competition.
Triathlon & Aquathlon – Career Highlights
- 2020 – National champion for Bulgaria, Elites, Olympic distance
- 2025 – 3x Silver Medalist at Bulgarian National Championships (Aquathlon, Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon), finishing just behind Alex Bozhilov
- 2025 – Competitor at the Pontevedra Aquathlon World Championships and the Tiszaujvaros Triathlon World Cup
Swimming – Career Highlights
- 2015 – Awarded the Bulgarian national title of “Master of Sports” at age 15
- 2016 – Ranked #10 in Best Bulgarian Youth Athletes
- 2017 – 3x Top-20 finishes at the World Junior Swimming Championships (Indianapolis), including 13th place in the 1500m freestyle
- 2016 – “B” qualifier for the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games
- Holder of 60+ Bulgarian national records and 50+ national championship medals
- Accumulated 600+ medals across national and international competitions
