Lang Ping: She Resigns but Spirits Remain

She Resigns but Spirits Remain

Lang Ping, who owns the nickname of “Iron Hammer”, is an iconic figure in Chinese Women’s Volleyball history. Having been in this field for almost 50 years, Lang had achieved a lot, both as a player and a coach. She resigned from the significant position as the chief coach of the Chinese Women’s National Volleyball Team on September 1, 2021, a few days after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The Chinese team could not make it to the final eight. But Lang and her national team have created and enhanced the spirits of Women’s Volleyball Team, which referred to the qualities of persistence, diligence and bravery. And the spirits will remain constant, inspiring generations for years.

Lang Ping had taken up the post of head coach of Chinese Women’s National Volleyball Team since 2013. With her and the players’ efforts, volleyball had once again become China’s strength. Also, the national team members had caught the public’s eye. Among them, Zhu Ting, the leader of the national team, was popular because of her excellent skills. As the ace spiker, the same position Lang owned in the 1990s, Zhu was the third Chinese athlete to earn MVP in the World Cup, the award Lang had also won before. As a result, Zhu was known as “Little Iron Hammer” because of her similarity with Lang Ping.

The two photos show the similarity in skills and postures between Lang Ping and Zhu Ting

Lang Ping is one of the greatest volleyball players and coaches in China’s history, and the treasure left for the sports world. After her resignation, she will focus on academic study in universities. Although she won’t appear in the public’s eyes frequently, the public will never forget this legend, as well as her spirits.