Today, November 25, 2025, the International Olympic Committee honored volleyball legend Lang Ping with the IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award, personally presented by IOC President Kirsty Coventry. Talk about a slam dunk! 🏐🏆
Lang Ping has been a game-changer since her playing days in the 1980s with China’s women’s volleyball team. Nicknamed the Iron Hammer, she helped China clinch gold at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. 🔨🥇
After retiring from the court, Lang switched to coaching, turning underdog teams into medal magnets. She led China to silver in Atlanta 1996, then hopped to the United States squad, guiding them to silver at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. 🌏🇺🇸
In 2013, she returned to China’s national team, steering them to back-to-back World Cup titles and, in 2016, Olympic gold in Rio de Janeiro. She’s the first in volleyball history to win Olympic gold as both a player and a coach! 🥇🤩
Her accolades don’t stop there. In 2002, Lang was the first Asian inducted into the Volleyball Hall of Fame. Her journey inspires athletes across South and Southeast Asia, proving dedication and heart break any barrier. 🌟
Whether you’re hitting the gym, strategizing your next career move, or simply need a boost of inspo, Lang Ping’s story reminds us that hard work prevails. Keep smashing those goals! 💪🔥
Reference(s):
Lang Ping honored with IOC Coaches Lifetime Achievement Award
cgtn.com
