Born in Kazanlak, Stara Zagora she became European champion in 1982 at only 20 years of age. Nine years later she won the World Championships, and the following year won an Olympic silver medal. Khristova tested positive for steroids in 1993 and was banned from competition. In 2004, at the age of 42, she competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
Her personal best was 73.22 m. That is still the Bulgarian record.
Wallechinsky, David and Jaime Loucky (2008). "Track & Field (Women): Discus Throw". In The Complete Book of the Olympics: 2008 Edition. London: Aurum Press Limited. p. 359.