Born and raised in Bulgaria, Maria Gateva, developed a passion for gymnastics at a young age.  As a rising star, she sacrificed a great deal to make the National Rhythmic Gymnastics team and, at 14, was training more than 12 hours a day. “The coaches during that time had very strong personalities,” she remembers. “It was more about their career than it was about us. I learned from this experience that the human being is the most important thing, and that the human being has limits.” 

After success in the national ranks, Maria finished her career determined to change the way rhythmic gymnastics were practiced in Bulgaria. As a Senior Lecturer in the National Sports Academy, Maria was responsible for educating the next generation of coaches and sports managers in new methods of training and psychology. She ran her own rhythmic gymnastics club and was invited by the Bulgarian President to serve on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the National Gymnastics Federation. Because of her positions in the educational, governance, and private sector, Maria has the experience and networks to influence tremendous change in Bulgaria.