Zhu Ting: Selfless volleyball star holds retirement plans to help People’s Republic of China achieve a Paris 2024 spot
In 2020, volleyball sensation Zhu Ting outlined plans to play at three Olympic Games.
After helping the People’s Republic of China to gold at Rio 2016, she had one checked off her list.
But things began to unwind when plans didn’t go as expected for the reigning champions in Tokyo, as they crashed out in the group stages.
After her second Games appearance, Zhu was forced to deal with social media scrutiny and a spell on the sidelines due to a wrist surgery.
A combination of both things is why China’s star outsider hitter has not featured for her national team in three years.
Earlier this month, however, Zhu announced her intention to make a return in the name of their Paris 2024 hopes.
With their bid to qualify for the upcoming Games firmly in the balance, the return of their MVP will no doubt spark belief in camp that they can secure their place on the world stage.
Zhu Ting: “I will exert all efforts to secure a spot at Paris 2024”
Zhu is ready to give it all to ensure China’s volleyball team compete at Paris 2024, whether she is there with them or not.
Right now, her sole focus is qualification.
“The sole purpose of my return is to contribute to securing a spot for the Chinese women’s volleyball team at the Paris Olympics,” she wrote on social media.
The 29-year-old opened up on her time away from the court, which has been particularly taxing both physically and mentally.
“From the end of last year until the Chinese New Year, I experienced fatigue and a significant decline in athletic performance, to the point where I struggled to cope with daily matches,” she said.
“At one point, I even lost interest in volleyball and sought to distance myself from controversies, leading me to submit a retirement application.”
Upon receiving the request, sports officials and the national team expressed concerns and offered their support to Zhu, who has since ‘dispelled’ thoughts of retirement.
“I express my gratitude to everyone who has supported and encouraged me during this time,” the outside hitter remarked.
“Together with the team, I will exert all efforts to secure a spot for the Chinese team at the Paris Olympics.”
TOKYO, JAPAN - JULY 25: Ting Zhu #2 of Team China hits between Zehra Gunes #18 of Team Turkey and Ebrar Karakurt #99 during the Women's Preliminary - Pool B on day two of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at Ariake Arena on July 25, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Toru Hanai/Getty Images)
How can China qualify for Paris 2024?
All Zhu and China need to do to qualify is ensure they maintain their position as the highest-ranked Asian side at the end of the 2023 FIVB Volleyball Nations League preliminary phase.
Currently in sixth, Japan is the closest country to them in ninth, but they are also in pole position to qualify with one of the remaining spots for nations in the top 10 who did not qualify via the Olympic Qualifying tournament.
Should the Chinese team drop out of the top 10, however, it would put them out of the standings for a Paris 2024 berth.
The preliminary round of the Nations League will take place between 14 May and 16 June, with the finals commencing from 20-23 June.
Here is how things currently stand in the rankings.