In 1976 she won an Olympic silver medal behind Evelin Schlaak, a standing that would repeat itself in 1980.

In 1982 she won a European Championship silver medal behind countrywoman Tsvetanka Khristova, who is twelve years younger.

One year later Petkova won the bronze medal at the first World Championships in Athletics.

In 1974 Mariya Petkova bench pressed 210 kg without the use of supportive gear of any kind.

You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.This article about a Bulgarian Olympic medalist is a stub.