The Chinese women’s volleyball team earned four awards at the China’s Central Television (CCTV) Sports Awards gala.
The 2016 Rio Olympic Games gold medalists brought home the best team and judging committee awards. The teams coach Lang Ping received best coach, while Zhu Ting earned the best female athlete honor.
Lang Ping is the first and only person that has won an Olympic gold medal in volleyball as both a coach and player. Ping was in high spirits at the awards, though expressing the teams slow start at the 2016 Rio Games.
“It was a little torturous at the Olympics,” Ping said. “I hope my players won’t torture me anymore.”
As a confidence booster for the team, China defeated hosts and defending champions, Brazil, in the quarterfinal match, while propelled the team to their third Olympic gold medal. The past three years, Ping and the team have brought home the award, while Zhu was nominated for the second time at best female athlete.
Zhu was China’s go-to player at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, where she garnished the tournaments MVP honor after leading all scorers with 179 points. Zhu is currently playing for Turkish squad Vakifbank Istanbul, so was not able to attend the gala to receive the award.
“The year 2016 was full of happiness and it was unforgettable for me,” Zhu said. “I want to say thanks to our coach, our team and our fans. I will be better in 2017.”
Last year, Zhu helped lead Vakifbank Istanbul to a bronze medal at the FIVB Volleyball Women’s Club World Championships in Manila, Philippines.
Leave a Reply