Larisa Bakurova

Larisa Angela Bakurova is a Ukrainian-born Taiwanese actress, model, and rhythmic gymnastics coach. She holds the distinction of being the first naturalized Taiwanese citizen of Ukrainian descent, a status that has made her a unique figure in Taiwan's cultural landscape.

Bakurova first gained recognition in Taiwan through her work in television and film, appearing in the popular drama It Started with a Kiss: They Kiss Again alongside Ariel Lin. In recent years, she has shifted her focus to coaching rhythmic gymnastics, founding the Rising Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Association and leading young athletes to international success. Her teams have won numerous gold medals at competitions across Europe and Asia.

As of 2026, Bakurova continues to serve as the founder and head coach of the association, dedicating her time to training the next generation of Taiwanese gymnasts. Her journey from Ukrainian gymnast to Taiwanese entertainer and coach has made her a respected and admired public figure. [edit]

Born on February 21, 1985, in the port city of Odesa, Ukraine, Larisa Bakurova grew up in a country that was then part of the Soviet Union. From the age of three, she began training in rhythmic gymnastics, a discipline that demands flexibility, grace, and relentless dedication. By the time she was a teenager, she had won numerous national championships in Ukraine, establishing herself as one of the country's promising young athletes.

Her early life revolved around the gymnasium, where she spent countless hours perfecting routines with ribbons, hoops, and balls. At fifteen, she retired from competitive gymnastics, a decision that opened the door to a new career. She moved to Taiwan, where her striking appearance and athletic poise led her into modeling. It was not long before casting directors took notice, and she began landing roles in television dramas and films.

Bakurova's transition from athlete to entertainer was smooth, and she quickly became a familiar face in Taiwanese media. Her first significant acting credit came in 2007 with the drama It Started with a Kiss: They Kiss Again, a sequel to the hit series that starred Ariel Lin. This role helped establish her in the Taiwanese entertainment industry, setting the stage for a career that would eventually come full circle back to gymnastics. [edit]

Bakurova's acting career gained traction in 2007 when she appeared in It Started with a Kiss: They Kiss Again, a popular Taiwanese drama that aired on CTV. She went on to appear in other projects, including the film The Crossing Hero (2015) and the series Young, building a modest but steady filmography. Her work as an actress and model made her a recognizable figure, but it was her return to gymnastics that would define her later career.

Around 2019, Bakurova began coaching rhythmic gymnastics, initially training young athletes for free. In January 2020, she led a team of Taiwanese gymnasts to Los Angeles, where they won a gold medal. This success prompted her to formalize her efforts, and she founded the Rising Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Association. Under her leadership, her students have achieved remarkable results: in June 2023, four athletes won gold in Manila; in July 2023, her team stood on the podium 28 times at a European competition, taking home 19 gold medals; and in March 2024, they added 12 more golds in Manila.

Bakurova's contributions have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior publicly supported her naturalization, and she became the first naturalized Taiwanese citizen of Ukrainian descent. In late 2023, she denied reports that she was being considered for a political seat, stating that her focus remained on her family and students. She continues to lead the association, training a new generation of gymnasts. [edit]

Bakurova is perceived in Taiwanese media as a bridge between cultures, a Ukrainian-born naturalized citizen who has dedicated herself to the development of Taiwanese sports. Her public image has evolved from entertainment personality to dedicated coach and mentor. On Instagram, where she has over 151,000 followers, her feed is professional and focused on her gymnastics association, sharing photos of her students' victories and training sessions. She is respected for her hands-on approach and for the international success of her athletes. [edit]

Larisa Bakurova maintains a distinct profile in global attention, anchored by her unique status as a cultural bridge and a high-achieving sports mentor rather than a mass-market celebrity. Her current standing reflects this specialized influence within specific regional sectors. She is currently the 47th most famous person in Taiwanese Drama, a position she has held steady through the recent cycle of measurement. These placements are part of the broader iFANN Global Fame Rankings. While her digital footprint includes a substantial following on Instagram dedicated to her coaching work, the actress does not command a formalized fanbase with an official name or organized campaigns. Public interest remains focused on her professional trajectory and the controversies surrounding her athletic program, resulting in an audience that engages primarily through news consumption rather than fandom rituals.[edit]

Larisa Bakurova's Chinese name is 瑞莎 (Rui Sha), and she is also known as Ruisha or Li Ruisha. Before transitioning to coaching, she was a professional rhythmic gymnast from ages three to fifteen, securing multiple national championships in Ukraine. She initially trained young Taiwanese gymnasts without charging a fee before establishing her formal association. A fan account once described her as a "model, ballerina and actress," reflecting her early training which included ballet. Photographs exist of her attending Disney promotional events in Taiwan, including the launch of Frozen. Beyond these established facts, her public narrative includes a verified controversy from late 2021 regarding allegations of exploiting student athletes, a story that shifted her image from successful coach to a figure under public scrutiny. Additionally, reports from November 2023 suggested she was being considered for a legislative seat with the Democratic Progressive Party, highlighting her elevated profile in Taiwanese society beyond entertainment. Her legacy is further defined by leading teams to significant victories, such as winning twelve gold medals at a European event in March 2024.[edit]

Details about Bakurova's parents and siblings are not widely publicized. She has mentioned her family in public statements, noting that her focus is on her family and her students. Her household in Taiwan is not documented, and there is no public record of a spouse or children. She has kept her personal life largely private, allowing her professional achievements to take center stage. [edit]

Bakurova's most notable collaboration was with actress Ariel Lin in the 2007 drama It Started with a Kiss: They Kiss Again. More recently, she has worked closely with the young athletes of the Rising Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Association, whose achievements have brought her recognition as a coach. [edit]

No public information is available about Bakurova's dating history or romantic relationships. She has kept her personal life out of the spotlight, and media reports have not documented any long-term partners or marriages. In a 2023 statement, she mentioned that her focus is on her family and students, but she has not revealed details about her family structure. As of 2026, her relationship status remains unknown. [edit]

Bakurova's net worth is not publicly documented in official filings. Her income is believed to stem from her past career as an actress and model, alongside her current role as founder and head coach of the Rising Star Rhythmic Gymnastics Association. While the association likely generates revenue through training fees and sponsorships, specific financial figures remain undisclosed. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, her net worth is estimated at $1 million as of 2026 based on limited available data.[edit]