Sports Video Iron Hammer has led China
Iron Hammer has led China & USA to multiple Finals
Lang Ping helped China reclaim the World Cup trophy after a 12-year drought, and throughout her career, whether as a player or coach, the Iron Hammer has long been known for her persistence, a trait which has now helped her team return to the top of their sport.
China's coach Lang Ping (C, front) celebrates with players during the awarding ceremony of 2015 Women's Volleyball World Cup in Nagoya, Japan, Sept. 6, 2015. China beat Japan in the final by 3-1 and claimed the title of the event. Widely regarded as the top outside hitter in the history of the Chinese women's volleyball team, Lang Ping racked up numerous accolades during her storied playing career, helping the country win two World Cups, Olympic gold, and one World Championship between 1981 and 1985.
But things haven't gone as smoothly during the Iron Hammer's coaching tenures, as her squads failed to claim any major trophies prior to this weekend, and her current unit has been battered by injuries, including heart problems knocking captain Hui Ruoqi out of action.
"We experienced some unexpected situations before heading to Japan. I was kind of agitated, but managed to contain my feelings, as I realized I had to face those problems. That allowed me to coach the team and focus on every match," Lang said.
Prior to Sunday's success in Tokyo, Lang had led the PRC to three major tournament finals, but never won a title.
After guiding her home nation's team from 1995 through 1998, the Iron Hammer took charge of the USA ahead of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where she helped the Stars & Stripes finish second to Brazil.
Lang then started her second spell as China's coach in 2013, but the squad fell short in the closing match of last year's World Championship, adding more pressure ahead of this competition.
"This was my job. I needed to control my emotions. We're a united team that keep making progress. I'm very happy we have secured a spot in the Rio Olympics, but we need to start from zero," she said.
And the squad's start in Japan, which included overcoming the absence of captain Hui, has led China back to the top of the volleyball world, a position the ladies hope to maintain all the way through next summer's Olympics.