Beijing, China, June 3, 2020: China’s women’s volleyball team captain Zhu Ting has told China Central Television that she wants to complete an Olympic hat-trick by competing in three consecutive Games, reports Xinhua News.
Zhu's first and only Olympic journey was to Rio 2016, where she won the gold medal and was named MVP. To realise her goal she has to attend next year's Olympics in Tokyo and the following edition in Paris in 2024.
"Personally, I would like to be able to do this, but it will take another five or six years and I hope my competitive ability can be maintained at that time," said Zhu.
Born in 1994, the Chinese team captain is 25 years old now. Although considered a middle-aged player, Zhu said she would never stop running.
"I must keep my advantage in the field and, as a member of the Chinese women volleyball team, I also have the responsibility to lead our younger players by improving myself," Zhu said.
When asked about how the one-year Tokyo Olympics postponement had influenced the Chinese women's volleyball team, Zhu pointed out the benefit of being "mature."
"We can use this time to strengthen our weak spots, and I can stay with my coach and teammates for another year," she said.