The Soul Behind "LEAP": The Spirit of China Women's Volleyball

Since the pandemic outbreak, people have been eager to travel. Coinciding with the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays - the first major holiday after China's pandemic subsidence (though in North America we're still staying home) - an estimated 550 million Chinese are expected to travel, with the film industry seeing a rebound. As of 4pm Beijing Time on October 6, the National Day box office has exceeded 3.1 billion yuan.

Among them, the volleyball-themed film "LEAP" has garnered significant attention. Directed by Peter Chan, this film adapted from the true story of the Chinese National Women's Volleyball Team focuses on the inspiring journey across generations of players.

The film began production on April 16, 2019 and was originally scheduled for release on Lunar New Year's Eve 2020, but was postponed due to COVID-19. After the pandemic eased in China, on August 17, 2020 - coincidentally the anniversary of China's historic victory over host Brazil at the 2016 Rio Olympics - it was rescheduled for National Day release.

"LEAP": More Than Memories, It's Legacy

"LEAP" recreates four pivotal matches in Chinese volleyball history:
• China Women's Volleyball vs Jiangsu Men's Team
• November 16, 1981 World Cup Final (China's 3-2 victory over Japan marked China's first world championship in "three major ball games")
• August 15, 2008 Beijing Olympics Final (Lang Ping-coached US team defeated Chen Zhonghe's Chinese team 3-2)
• August 17, 2016 Rio Olympics Group Match (China's 3-2 win over Brazil paved way for their first Olympic gold in 12 years)

"LEAP" scores 7.4 on Douban. The contrast between Lang Ping's reform attempts after returning to coach China and previous coaches' collectivist training methods is considered the film's highlight. Some viewers see it as depicting "the evolution of Chinese volleyball spirit," while others suggest renaming it "The Lang Ping Story." Director Chan responded that dramatic films need central figures.

Lang Ping, the most iconic figure in Chinese volleyball, has a legendary career. In "LEAP," her role is played by award-winning actress Gong Li. Notably, Lang's daughter Bai Lang portrays young Lang Ping, creating a special generational connection. Born in the US in 1992, the 1.89m-tall Bai chose finance over sports, working at a San Francisco investment bank.

"Iron Hammer": A Sports Legend and Chinese Pride

Born in Tianjin in 1960, Lang Ping was selected for Beijing Workers' Stadium volleyball program in 1973, joined Beijing team in 1976, and entered national team in 1978. In 1981, she won "Outstanding Athlete" award as China claimed its first World Cup title, later achieving a "three-peat" with 1982 World Championship and 1984 Olympic gold.

After defending China's World Championship title in 1986 (completing "five consecutive titles"), Lang retired and graduated from Beijing Normal University with English degree. In 1987, she pursued a master's in sports management at University of New Mexico.

Hired as China's head coach in 1995, Lang led the team from historic lows to 1996 Olympic silver and 1998 World Championship runner-up. Before accepting US team coaching position in 2005, she sought Chinese netizens' opinions online and received overwhelming support.

At 2008 Beijing Olympics, Lang's US team overcame China 3-2 in preliminaries, eventually winning silver - far exceeding the US Volleyball Association's initial goal of simply qualifying.

After returning to coach China in 2013, Lang first led the team to 2015 World Cup victory (10-1 record). At Rio Olympics, she guided China to gold over Serbia - her first Olympic coaching gold, making her the first person to win Olympic volleyball gold as both player and coach.

With seven gold medals, Lang's legendary status needs no elaboration. Revered in both Chinese and American volleyball circles, she's become a symbol of excellence and Chinese pride.

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