Will The Return Of Chinese Olympic Champion Be An Obstacle For USA Women’s Volleyball Team At 2024 Paris Olympics?

The United States is preparing to glorify its volleyball prowess on the global stage. Katlyn Gao, the CEO of LOVB is looking beyond the NCAA to give the reigning Olympic champions something to look forward to after Paris. Interestingly, the success of this novel addition in the American sporting calendar will depend on the team’s win streak. However, given the recent resurgence of a Chinese legend, the forecasts have entered an uncertain period.

Former Olympic champion Zhang Changning is looking to make a slaying comeback before Paris. She took a two-year-long break from the sport following troublesome health concerns. Now, as she navigates the currents of her comeback journey, Changning has thrown the U.S volleyball dominance into question. Here’s why.

Zhang Changning’s comeback complicates matters for America’s volleyball dominance

Ever since, Zhang Changning joined her former teammates in the Jiangsu court, the volleyball realm  has become the podium of conjectures. Now, the official Volleyball World X page has fanned the flames on speculation on social media with an astounding video.

The camera frame captured Zhang Changning in action against Italy during the 2021 Women’s VNL. The scoreboard showed 2-0 in favor of the Dragons and then the frame suddenly shifted to China’s play against the U.S.

The stars and stripes paled in comparison to their distinguished adversary. Volleyball World captioned the video, “China’s Zhang Changning is back ! After a 2 year absence on the court, the Olympic champion is back & has joined her club team in Jiangsu to compete in the Chinese league. Are we going to see her with Team China in 2024?”

The answer to the question remains hidden in the folds of time. She will need to overcome Tsunami level odds to secure a place on the national team. After a knee surgery and physical therapy for injuries in other bodily appendages, Changning’s return to elite volleyball is difficult. However, she has unfeigned support of her close-knit acquaintances and her volleyball clan.

Zhang Changning’s pillars of support

Zhang Changning tied the knot with basketball legend Wu Guanxi in 2022. He is her loyal supporter. Although his chances of making the national basketball team are slim at the moment, Guanxi believes his wife has a real shot at a restart. Notwithstanding his endorsements from the bleachers, Changning has ample support inside the court.

Read More: Olympic Champion Returns To Volleyball Court After 2-year Injury Break, Sets Sights On 2024 Paris Olympics

Wu Mengjie, Zhu Ting and Li Yingying are training her for the upcoming challenge. With just Li Yingying ear-marked for the attack position, coach Cai Bin is keeping a close eye on the volleyball legends in the national clubs for the final lineup. While Zhang Changning’s Olympic rebuttal is still doubtful, the situation just got tense for the United States.

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