Zhang's steady steps to success

Zhang also tasted the bitterness of losing in volleyball's "big three "events, namely the World Cup, world championship and Olympic Games. Although the Chinese team ended up finishing third at the 2018 world championship, Zhang was disappointed in her performances throughout the tournament.

"The 2018 worlds were a serious blow for me, but it made me face up to myself and understand what I really needed to improve," she said.

National team boss Lang continues to be Zhang's guiding light on that road to betterment.

"Coach Lang is very meticulous, she stands right beside us in training and draws on all her experience to teach us how to serve better," Zhang said of the 1984 Olympic champion.

"Being around such a good spiker, you feel like there is a solid wall behind you and get a great sense of security."

Now Team China is preparing for next summer's postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Zhang said that although the squad may not be the strongest, she believes they are "the toughest".