23 Sep Spiderman, Ivan Kristoff: “I Feel Safer in the Air than on the Ground”
Author: Slavyana Manolova
Lifestyle | 20:35, September 21, 2024
Not only Tom Cruise can rappel from a stadium roof – the Bulgarian Ivan Kristoff is also capable of such daring feats. Kristoff is set to present a new type of technical rescue operation, unlike anything seen before, and the first witnesses will be the attendees of the “Inter Drone Expo” in early October.
Who is Ivan Kristoff?
Ivan Kristoff, also known as the Bulgarian Spiderman, gained recognition around the time of the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York, when the world was paying more attention to volunteers. He was nominated and selected as a “Hero of Toronto” in the “Volunteer” category alongside a doctor, a police officer, a firefighter, and a paramedic. Twenty-five years ago, Kristoff supported Canadian rescue services during the First Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Appreciation Day for security forces and rescue services by setting a world record for the longest rope descent and ascent from a helicopter.
Being chosen as a “Hero of Toronto” is a significant recognition for the Bulgarian.
This year, Ivan has decided to showcase in Bulgaria his own rescue techniques, which will take place during the “Inter Drone Expo” in early October in Sofia. Today, he travels frequently and works as a consultant in the field of innovation and security for super-tall buildings, and he gives lectures at international forums.
Photo: Not only Tom Cruise can descend from the roof of a stadium—Bulgarian Ivan Kristoff can do it too.
Tough Training
“Extreme is in my blood. I feel most alive in the air, where I feel safer than on the ground,” says Ivan. Heights have attracted him since childhood. As a boy, he dreamt of becoming a pilot or climbing and hanging from the highest skyscrapers and towers, a dream he eventually fulfilled. He is now planning a new kind of technical rescue operation, something never before attempted globally, building on his specialized high-altitude training.
“I was forged in battle before I was even born,” Ivan remarks, referring to the two opposing family factions from which he comes. On his mother’s side, his relatives are educated, pre-World War II Bulgarians, with some of the most learned members in Canada. His father, Hristo Mihaylov, was a career diplomat, having graduated from the elite Diplomatic Academy in Moscow. “He was one of the purest idealists,” Ivan explains. “He strove to represent Bulgaria abroad with impeccable style and reputation. I remember how he would invest his entire salary in his wardrobe—from specially selected ties to shoes and fabrics from abroad—all to ensure he looked perfect during important negotiations. This attention to detail was not only a mark of respect for the country but a strategic tool during diplomatic meetings. He would iron his suits, pants, shirts, and even put creases in my jeans. He was meticulous, even at home. He told me how some of our fellow countrymen abroad could be cruel and petty, having witnessed numerous betrayals. His influence, attention to detail, and elegance deeply shaped me, both personally and professionally. From his repeated advice to ‘Be honest,’ I grew calluses on my ears, but now I am grateful. This is why I want to dedicate these innovations to him—ones that can be realized in partnership with the Ministry of Interior—and to create the First Bulgarian Air Force, Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Appreciation Day.”
International Recognition
Kristoff with Dubai’s pilot prince, Sheikh Mansoor Al Maktoum, at Dubai Helishow 2014.
After years of innovation and experimentation in aviation and rescue operations, Ivan is pleased to see how his legacy and achievements at new heights are garnering attention. His participation in international exhibitions such as “Dubai Helishow” and “Intersec,” under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed, ruler of Dubai, is the result of his long-standing work and dedication. At the “Dubai Helishow,” he had the honor of being formally introduced to the UAE’s Minister of Finance and Dubai’s princes. “Right now, Dubai is experiencing a boom in cutting-edge and modern construction, but it’s a young nation, and the challenge lies in handling high-altitude and aerial operations for managing issues atop super and mega skyscrapers,” Kristoff explains, detailing his interest in high-rise construction.
“I am amazed at the incredible opportunities that exist in today’s world of aviation and rescue operations. As a consultant in the field of innovation and security for super-tall buildings, I continue to give lectures at international forums, expanding the boundaries of our knowledge and technology,” says Kristoff. “I’m also thrilled to share that global brands are supporting our innovative initiatives. This partnership is yet another way to showcase Bulgaria’s image on the world stage and to take new steps in rescue operations and aviation.”
In Bulgaria, Kristoff’s concept for a specialized rescue squad, S.O.S., has garnered recognition and support, and the INNOVATION RESCUE FUND project is in the process of realization. “I’m grateful to everyone who supports my efforts, and I’m confident that through collaboration with our partners, we will reach new heights and bring more success and innovation to rescue operations and aviation,” says Ivan, who is currently funding his project entirely with personal resources.
Photo: Kristoff with the prince-pilot of Dubai, Sheikh Mansoor Al Maktoum, at the Dubai Helishow 2014.
A Vision for the Next Generation
Ivan’s latest idea is the “Achieve New Heights” program for youth. Through a combination of art, aviation, and extreme sports, it aims to inspire a new generation of artists to reach unknown heights—both literally and metaphorically. Experienced professionals—pilots, aerial photographers, and artists—will mentor young talents, helping them explore the intersection of aviation and art, encouraging them to create original works. To inspire participants, Ivan Kristoff will attempt a new world record in helicopter operations, which young artists will have the chance to document through sketches, paintings, photographs, and videos.
The program will include workshops where participants can learn and practice various techniques, such as aerial photography, extreme sports filming, and vertical access art. These workshops will take place in locations like the Rila Mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and challenging creative conditions. In Sofia, the base will be the “Smart Home of the Rescuer of the Future,” located in the Buxton neighborhood, which Ivan is building and is nearing completion.
Photo: Conceptual idea of Kristoff for World’s First Mid-Air-Rope-Access-System during Inter Extreme Ballooning Expo.
Ani Tsolova (Host):
Live with Anton Hekimyan, who will tell us about a demonstration for hostage rescue. It will be shown today in Sofia. From him, we will learn within the framework of which forum this demonstration will take place. And a question for Tony. Hello! Is there any connection between this demonstration and the anniversary of the attacks on New York and Washington, exactly 6 years ago?
Anton Hekimyan (Reporter):
Good morning, Ani! Yes, there is a connection to the attacks, but overall, September 11 has been declared Prevention Day in Europe.
This demonstration, which will happen today in Sofia, at the International Exhibition Center on Tsarigradsko Shose, is in connection with September, which has been declared Prevention Month by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
And this month and initiative is part of the national campaign “All Together for a Safer Future.” But with me are my guests, who will tell us more.
Here is Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov, from the General Directorate for Crime Prevention, Public Order, and Prevention – good morning, and Ivan Kristoff, known in Bulgaria and Canada as the “Spiderman” – good morning. He will participate in this initiative by climbing a building. But what exactly will happen today and a bit more about the Prevention Month initiative?
Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov:
As you said, September has been declared Prevention Month by the order of the Minister of Internal Affairs. Many initiatives are planned across the country. We are supported by all state institutions and non-governmental organizations. That’s why today, on the European Prevention Day, we organized a drill, which is about neutralizing criminal activity inside a building with a large number of people. For the first time, a civilian will take part in this drill, and that’s Ivan Kristoff.
We want to show that our structures are ready to take the necessary actions to neutralize such criminal activity by interested parties.
Anton Hekimyan:
Why September 11, though? Is there really a connection to the attacks that happened 6 years ago in the U.S.? You said that September 11 has been declared European Prevention Day.
Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov:
Exactly. That’s what prompted us to organize this drill today and to show our capabilities to counteract such activities.
Anton Hekimyan:
What exactly will happen with this building? It’s tall. Inside, there will be people who will have to be rescued from terrorists.
Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov:
People with criminal intentions will enter the building. A hostage will be taken. The perpetrators will demand a vehicle to escape towards the airport. That’s when our specialized units, namely the Anti-Terrorism Squad, will intervene. The people present will be able to see their actions. The criminal group will have caused a fire on one of the floors. The people in the building will seek refuge on the roof. There, Ivan Kristoff will work, demonstrating the rescue of people from the tall building, while our fire service performs its functional duties.
Anton Hekimyan:
You are a representative of the Ministry. Are we prepared for a real situation like this?
Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov:
I believe we have the capacity and abilities to counteract such activities.
Anton Hekimyan:
Alright, thank you. Now I turn to Ivan Kristoff, who, as a civilian, will also participate in this initiative. Why did you decide to join? We know you’re famous for climbing tall buildings, but are you personally ready? Do you have the preparation to save people and prevent something like this?
Ivan Kristoff:
Yes, this experience, which I gained in Canada, where safety requirements are among the highest in the world, I would say the highest, because the responsibility there is the greatest. There, you don’t get a second chance. There’s no room for mistakes.
Anton Hekimyan:
Do you think we are ready for something like this?
Ivan Kristoff:
And the experience I gained working with the Canadian services, with the 911 system, is what I want to bring here, to exchange with my Bulgarian colleagues. As a Bulgarian, I’m keen on providing the best of the best to our Ministry of Internal Affairs employees. This initiative is a new beginning that will be beneficial not only for the safety of MIA employees but also for the public, to minimize threats – threats during emergency rescue operations that might be caused intentionally.
And the experience gained from the mistakes of others, especially considering Canada and the U.S., where in the 2000s, especially America, faced major disasters, should be transferred here to Bulgaria, where on a smaller scale, it could have a greater effect.
Anton Hekimyan:
How do you think – are we ready for something like this?
Ivan Kristoff:
One is always ready for something. The question is to what extent they are prepared and how they will respond. During critical situations, it’s not the time to think; everything needs to be in place. Each element needs to be worked out on-site, everything visualized and documented, so it can be better analyzed later. We also need to test the technology, which is constantly changing. I want to use the best technology.
For example, today – actually, last night, I got a watch and a holter that will show me my heart rate, how many calories I burn, and what the workload on my body is. With this holter, which a medical team will place on me, we will be able to monitor my heart’s performance over 24 hours.
When this is visualized and each frame has 30 frames per second, we can calmly analyze and review telemetry. I work in this direction. We need to know how to train these people, what preparation they need, what proteins to take, and what recovery products to use, so we can be fully prepared to respond in extreme situations. And be the best prepared.
Anton Hekimyan:
Thank you, Ivan Kristoff, and thank you, Chief Inspector Emil Vladimirov.
Anton Hekimyan (Reporter):
Ani, that’s all from us for now.
Ani Tsolova (Host):
I just want to mention that the culmination of this Prevention Month will be on October 1 during the Inter Drone Expo at the Inter Expo Center in Sofia. Thank you, Anton, and thanks to your guests for discussing such important issues. I wish that we never have to face such problems in Bulgaria, and we only talk about prevention.