Zhu Ting

Chinese outside hitter who captained China to the 2016 Olympic gold medal and earned MVP honours at the 2015 World Cup, the 2016 Olympics, and the 2019 World Cup — a hat-trick no other player has matched.

Zhu Ting grew up in a rural farming family in Dancheng County, Henan Province, and was recruited into volleyball because she was tall. By 2016, she was the best player in the world at the opposite hitter position, leading China to Olympic gold in Rio while winning tournament MVP and carrying most of the team's offensive burden through the competition. She came through China's youth volleyball system and established herself on the international stage in the mid-2010s under head coach Lang Ping. The peak years of 2015 to 2019 saw her dominate international volleyball — helping China to the 2016 Olympics gold, the 2015 and 2019 World Cup victories, and consistent World Championship performance. A successful stint with VakifBank Istanbul from 2016 to 2019, winning multiple European championships, enhanced her reputation globally and established her as one of the sport's most complete players. Her achievements include Olympic gold, multiple World Cup victories, and numerous MVP awards at major tournaments. Her attacking statistics consistently ranked among the world's best, and her ability to score from difficult positions became her signature. She often carried China's offensive weight single-handedly during periods when the team's depth was inconsistent. Her impact on women's volleyball through the 2010s was profound. She set a new standard for the opposite hitter position, inspiring a generation of young Chinese players. Her dominance helped restore China's standing as a volleyball powerhouse and elevated the sport's profile domestically — and even as her peak years have passed, her influence on the modern game remains significant.

Dominant outside hitter known for powerful spikes, excellent court vision, and exceptional leadership as team captain

Considered one of volleyball's greatest players, revolutionized the outside hitter position with exceptional attacking and leadership skills

• Olympic Gold Medal 2020
• World Cup MVP 2015
• World Cup MVP 2019
• Nations League MVP 2018
• Turkish League Champion 2017
• Turkish League Champion 2018
• CEV Champions League Winner 2017
• CEV Champions League Winner 2018