Recently, the World Champion Forum (Lecture 14) and the second session of the "Excellent Teacher Program" were held, organized by the Lang Ping Sports Culture and Policy Research Center at Beijing Normal University, with the support of the Le Yu College and the Student Union of Le Yu College. This forum, titled "Pursuing dreams and embracing the endless journey" , featured renowned female volleyball player and Olympic champion Zhu Ting, who delivered an inspiring lecture on growth, challenges, and dreams from her experiences as a star spiker in women's volleyball.
During the lecture, Zhu Ting reflected on her glorious moments, mentioning not only the exhilarating championship victories but also a significant experience at the 2014 volleyball World Elite Match in Switzerland. After an intensive training camp before the Spring Festival, she felt confident, "I spent three months improving my serve reception; I believed I could do it " . However, her performance on the court did not meet her expectations. Looking back, she can now laugh about the painful experience of feeling like "the ball was chasing me around," struggling to receive it, which led to a chain reaction of errors. "That match had a huge impact on me," she admitted, noting the invisible pressure she felt as her peers had already become well-rounded players. All she could do was to practice relentlessly. In competitive sports, only strength speaks volumes, and the goal of winning championships had already taken root in her heart.
In 2015, the Chinese women's volleyball team won the World Cup after an 11-year hiatus, and Zhu Ting earned her first MVP title in a major tournament, becoming a source of pride for volleyball enthusiasts. The subsequent 2016 Rio Olympics saw her and the team rise against adversity, where she once again claimed MVP and Best Outside Hitter. Behind her glory lies her ability to self-regulate under pressure, the seamless teamwork with her teammates, and the guidance from her coach Lang Ping, as well as the careful mentorship from various coaches throughout her career. volleyball is a team sport; no one can succeed alone. Every victory is the result of the collective effort of the entire team.
As an athlete, injuries are often unavoidable as one's career progresses, and Zhu Ting is no exception. After surgery, she faced the challenge of daily wrist rehabilitation, with medication and treatments adding to her physical burdens. However, when discussing the future, her eyes sparkled with limitless possibilities. "I once said I wanted to compete in three Olympic Games; that was a challenge, and I did it." The journey is endless, and the pursuit of dreams continues. She hopes to keep contributing to the Chinese women's volleyball team and to inspire more young people to bravely chase their dreams.
"Overcoming each challenge is a step forward. I believe I've made it through," Zhu Ting stated emphatically. Her personal experiences convey a vital message: challenges and difficulties are common in life, yet we must also have the courage to overcome and embrace them. Dreams have no boundaries, and the journey is endless—this is the best interpretation of Zhu Ting's sports career.
The event transitioned into an interactive segment where students eagerly raised their hands to ask Zhu Ting questions, creating a lively atmosphere. From volleyball techniques to personal growth and mindset adjustments when facing challenges, she patiently addressed each inquiry.
As the World Champion Forum concluded, the room resonated with warm applause. This session deepened our understanding of Zhu Ting's journey and growth, illustrating that as long as there is a dream in one's heart, the path forward is open.
