As technology advances, many celebrities and ordinary people go to great lengths to achieve beauty, often resorting to various means. Surprisingly, even she has joined the ranks of those seeking cosmetic surgery.
Lang Ping is undoubtedly a pivotal force in women's volleyball. For years, she has been at the forefront, leading the team to numerous glories both on and off the court. However, who could have imagined that this former pillar would become almost unrecognizable after retirement!
From "Iron Hammer" to "Cosmetic Surgery Maniac," what twists and turns has Lang Ping experienced? And why did she choose such an irreversible path after retiring?
Lang Ping's name resonates worldwide, known for her powerful spikes that made her a mainstay in the volleyball world. Her journey began with her father's influence...
Born in the turbulent city of Tianjin in the 1960s, Lang Ping arrived during a harsh winter when various disasters affected her family, leaving them struggling to make ends meet. As an infant, she was extremely weak, surviving on bowls of millet porridge. This arduous upbringing instilled in her a strong, independent character that laid the foundation for her future training.
Time flew by, and Lang Ping reached school age. In 1967, at seven, she entered Dongguan Road Primary School in Beijing's Chaoyang District, embarking on her educational journey. Simultaneously, fate began to turn its wheel as her sports-loving father frequently took her to watch matches at the nearby Beijing Workers' Stadium. Under his influence, Lang Ping developed a deep interest in volleyball, a path seemingly predestined for her despite her meager beginnings. Always towering above her peers, her height became her first advantage in joining the volleyball team.
At thirteen, in the sixth grade, Lang Ping seized her opportunity when coaches from the Beijing Workers' Stadium Amateur Sports School visited her school to select players. Standing at 1.69 meters tall, she passed rigorous tests and was selected, thus beginning an inseparable bond with volleyball. After five years of training, she excelled in the National Volleyball A-Class Team League, catching the eye of Coach Yuan Weimin and joining the national team, officially starting her career.
Meanwhile, love quietly approached her as well. In her first year with the national team, Lang Ping won a silver medal at the 8th Asian Games. The following year, China triumphed at the 2nd Asian Women's Volleyball Championship, with Lang Ping leading the team to multiple victories and becoming one of the world's top three spikers, earning her the nickname "Iron Hammer."
As her career reached its peak, so did her love life. At a friend's gathering, she met Bai Fan, an athlete from the Bayi Men's Volleyball Team. They admired each other and soon fell in love. However, due to intense training, Lang Ping faced health issues, forcing her to retire. Shortly after, she married Bai Fan and embarked on a path of studying abroad.
This decision drew mockery and criticism from many, who saw it as betrayal. Yet, Lang Ping proved them wrong by returning to coach the Chinese women's volleyball team in 1995, leading them to victory after victory.
However, while her career soared, her marriage faltered, ending in divorce after nine years. Post-divorce, Lang Ping returned to coaching, while her daughter and Bai Fan remained in the U.S. Despite the end of their romantic relationship, they maintained a respectful friendship, united in raising their daughter.
In 2021, Lang Ping retired from coaching, choosing a quieter life. Unexpectedly, she embarked on a path of cosmetic surgery, altering her appearance significantly. Her transformation sparked public debate, with some comparing her to actress Liu Xiaoqing's sister.
Despite public opinion, Lang Ping remains unfazed, choosing to live the life she desires. From "Iron Hammer" to facing the consequences of cosmetic surgery, Lang Ping's choices reflect her personal journey. Though she has stepped down from coaching, her contributions to women's volleyball will forever be etched in our memories.
