Hoping for a spike in success

Zhuper returns

From the setbacks at the Tokyo Games to the expectations on Team China throughout 2022, all of the mixed feelings of the fans could be linked to Chinese superstar Zhu. As the 28-year-old has returned to the court after a long hiatus due to injuries, fans now have high hopes that she will once again lead Team China to glory.

Zhu is one of the most high-profile women's volleyball players in the world. Nicknamed "Zhuper", she is the first player in history to win two consecutive FIVB World Cup titles, and was also named MVP at both those tournaments. Zhu was also the MVP at the Rio Olympics in 2016, when she helped the national team win gold.

However an injury to her right wrist, which she first sustained in 2017, brought a halt to the accolades and silverware. The problem flared up again in 2019, causing extra concern this time, as it began to adversely affect her performances. Rather than undergoing surgery, she initially chose a conservative program of treatment that would allow her to prepare for the Tokyo Olympics.

The treatment was not enough for Zhu to maintain peak performance at the delayed Games in 2021. Although Zhu did her best to play through the pain and still displayed her famous fighting spirit, defending champion Team China failed to make it beyond the group stage.

Zhu eventually underwent surgery earlier last year in Spain, and rested for the next several months in Europe. In July, Zhu announced she was signing for Italian Women's Volleyball League side Pallavolo Scandicci. This is the second time Zhu suits up for a foreign club.

From 2016-19, Zhu enjoyed a successful stint at Vakifbank Istanbul in Turkiye. Now expectations are high that Zhu can put her injury troubles behind her and bounce back in style.

According to a recent interview with current head coach Cai in Shanghai, Zhu is very likely to return to national team duty in 2023. Zhuper's first priority is to help Team China secure a spot at the 2024 Paris Games through qualifying.

"I really want to say thank you for all of the support and help from everyone during the time that I played in Italy. I will try my best to deliver better performances in the coming games." Zhu said in December.