Maneva hails from Smolyan, Bulgaria, and is fluent in Bulgarian. She pursued higher education in Economics at the National Sports Academy Vasil Levski in Sofia. Alongside her athletic career, she also works as a teacher.

Challenges and Achievements

In 2006, Maneva underwent shoulder surgery, which sidelined her for six months. Despite this setback, she was named Athlete of the Year in 2012 and 2013 in her hometown of Smolyan.

Controversies and Suspensions

Maneva's career has not been without controversy. In June 2008, she was among 11 Bulgarian weightlifters who tested positive for a banned substance. The Bulgarian Weightlifting Federation withdrew the entire team from the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Maneva received a four-year ban from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) but returned to competition in June 2012.

In 2015, she again tested positive for stanozolol before the European Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia. Despite it being her second positive test, she received a reduced suspension of 18 months due to contaminated supplements.

Current Role and Future Plans

Beyond her sporting achievements, Maneva has served as a councillor on the municipal council in Smolyan. Her dedication to both her sport and community highlights her multifaceted contributions to Bulgarian society.

Maneva continues to inspire many with her resilience and commitment to weightlifting and public service. Her journey reflects both the triumphs and challenges faced by athletes worldwide.