Career
Born in Camagüey, Almanza ran internationally from a young age, coming fourth at the 2009 World Youth Championships in Athletics before taking the 800 m title at the Pan American Junior Championships. She ran a national junior record of 2:02.04 minutes in Havana in July and came fourth at the 2010 World Junior Championships in Athletics. She came close to a medal at the 2011 Pan American Games, but was edged into fourth place in the final.
She began 2012 in strong form, taking silver medals in the 800 m and 4×400 metres relay at the Ibero-American Championships.
A run of 1:59.55 minutes in Havana was enough to gain her a place on the Cuban squad for the 2012 London Olympics.