Background
Shugurova was born to a Tatar family in the city of Omsk, in western Siberia.
Shugurova was born to a Tatar family in the city of Omsk, in western Siberia.
She studied history at the Omsk Pedagogical Institute. Shugurova graduated from the Omsk Institute of Physical Training in 1975.
Shugurova was introduced to rhythmic gymnastics when she was eight years old. Initially, she was more attracted to figure skating and choreography classes. Shugurova debuted on the world stage as a 14-year-old in Varna, Bulgaria at the 1969 World Championships, winning gold medals in rope and ball.
At 15, she made her first appearance at the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics championships, placing second in the all-around.
At the 1973 World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Shurugova shared the world crown in the all-around with Bulgarian Maria Gigova. Both of the ribbon routines at this Championship were to the same music – a piece from Georges Bizet"s ballet "Carmen".
Shurugova is considered as one of the great gymnasts that revolutionized the sport of rhythmic gymnastics in the Soviet Union. Shugurova help created a new rhythmic gymnastics element called the "Shugurova" which consists of tipping or spinning a rolling hoop with the feet during a leap.