Maria Petrova, was born in
Plovdiv,
Bulgaria in 1975 and is regarded as one of the finest rhythmic gymnasts of all time. She began her training at the age of five at the Levski Club in
Sofia, Bulgaria. In her first World Championship appearance in 1991 she came second in the team competition.
As listed in the Guinness World Records, the most individual world all-around rhythmic gymnastics titles is three and is shared by Bulgarians Maria Petrova (1993, 1994, 1995 shared) and Maria Gigova (1969, 1971, 1973 shared).
Most Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships
Bulgaria has a record nine Rhythmic Sportive Gymnastics team titles. They won in 1969, 1971, 1981, 1983, 1985, 1987, 1989 (shared), 1993, and 1995.