Born in Kazakhstan, the athlete moved to China at a young age with her parents. She returned to Kazakhstan in 2007. She began weightlifting at age nine. Her first encounter with a barbell left a lasting impression, sparking her interest in the sport. She is currently part of the Almaty Region team in Kazakhstan.

| Season | Event | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Women's 55kg | B Bronze |
In 2012, she was named Best Female Athlete in Kazakhstan. Her accolades include the National Orders of Kurmet and Barys (second class). She also holds the title of Honoured Master of Sport in Kazakhstan. These honours reflect her dedication and success in weightlifting.
At the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, she won a bronze medal. In recognition of this achievement, she received the Order of Friendship (second class) from the president of Kazakhstan. This honour underscores her contribution to sports and her country's pride in her accomplishments.
In June 2016, she received a two-year ban from the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). This was due to testing positive for prohibited substances oxandrolone and stanozolol. Her sample was taken at the 2012 Olympic Games in London and retested as part of the IOC's reanalysis program. Consequently, she was stripped of her gold medal from the 2012 Games.
Residing in Taldykorgan, Kazakhstan, she speaks Kazakh and Russian. Known by her nickname "Zulya," she looks up to Kazakhstani weightlifter Svetlana Podobedova as her idol. Her sporting philosophy is: "My main rival is myself, psychologically, and the barbell, physically. If I can overcome myself, I will win."
Looking ahead, she aims to continue competing at an elite level and hopes to inspire future generations of weightlifters. With Ivan Sivokhin as her national coach, she remains committed to achieving new heights in her sport.
The athlete's journey reflects resilience and dedication. Despite facing challenges, she has made significant contributions to weightlifting in Kazakhstan. Her story continues to inspire many aspiring athletes.
Born in Kazakhstan, the athlete moved to China at a young age with her parents. She returned to Kazakhstan in 2007. She began weightlifting at age nine. Her first encounter with a barbell left a lasting impression, sparking her interest in the sport. She is currently part of the Almaty Region team in Kazakhstan.