In 1955, an ordinary worker's family in Hangzhou ushered in a new life: Chen Zhaodi. She was born as the third of five children, and her innate physique and acquired tenacity made her unique.
Although the family is not wealthy, her parents work hard like an old cow and strive to support their five children.
Chen Zhaodi's outstanding performance in school quickly attracted the attention of physical education teachers. She was chosen to practice the high jump and made a splash at the Hangzhou Middle School Athletics Meet.
Her heroic posture of easily passing the pole attracted the attention of the provincial team coach, luck befell this hard-working girl, she worked hard, at the end of 1970, 15-year-old Chen Zhaodi stood out among the 11 new team members, and was successfully selected for the newly formed Zhejiang women's volleyball team.
After stepping into the palace of professional volleyball training, Chen Zhaodi seems to have found the direction of her life. Her love for the sport grew, and she never gave up volleyball since. In 1971, at the age of 16, Chen Zhaodi ushered in a new challenge - she was selected to join the youth training team of Beijing Institute of Sport (now Beijing Sport University).
As a girl from the south who first arrived in Beijing, Chen Zhaodi faced great challenges. It was very difficult for her to adapt to the unaccustomed diet, and three meals of pasta a day was a pain for her, who was used to dim sum and rice.
The physical discomfort soon affected her training status, she felt tired and dizzy, and the training was extremely difficult to complete, and the long-distance running became the bottom of the team.
Chen Zhaodi's psychological pressure became more and more heavy, and she almost collapsed. Fortunately, her abnormality was discovered by Wu Zhongliang, the coach and teacher of Beijing Sports University. Coach Wu did not criticize her, but gently asked her about her life status and training fitness.
After learning about Chen Zhaodi's difficulties, Coach Wu immediately took action: arranged for the canteen to prepare southern-style meals for her, gave her nutritional supplements, and formulated a special training plan.
With the care and help of her coach and teammates, Chen Zhaodi quickly adapted to the new environment and felt the warmth of the collective, which made her love for volleyball stronger and strengthened her sense of belonging to the team.
In 1973, Chen Zhaodi, who was only 18 years old, successfully joined the Bayi women's volleyball team in Beijing with her outstanding performance and officially started her training career as the main force. Although she is only 1.73 meters tall, she is not a tall figure, but with her keen ball sense and super understanding, she completely makes up for the height disadvantage.
Chen Zhaodi can always predict the direction of the opponent's movements, wittily take many extremely difficult balls on the field, she is flexible and changeable, off the court, she worked hard, quickly became the leader of the team, won the reputation of "desperate Sanniang".
During this time, Chen Zhaodi's eyes were full of longing for the future and love for volleyball, every training, every game, made her meet her dream one step closer, she firmly believes that she will contribute to the cause of Chinese volleyball.
In 1977, 22-year-old Chen Zhaodi stood on the world stage for the first time and helped the Chinese team finish fourth in the Women's Volleyball World Cup. This competition experience made Chen Zhaodi see the gap between herself and the world's strongest teams, and also made her determined to train harder.
Later, she participated in the Asian Games and won a silver medal, which inspired Chen Zhaodi to reach the top podium with her teammates.
In the position of receiving the setter, Chen Zhaodi's performance has been very good. She has quick reflexes, strong bounce, both offensive and defensive, and is well-rounded and intelligent. These qualities make her an indispensable part of the team on the pitch.
In June 1979, Chen Zhaodi's fate began to take a turn from a game of great significance. At that time, the Hitachi team led by Japan star player Keiko Okushima visited China, and Chen Zhaodi participated in the game as a member of the national team.
The competition was fierce and abnormal, and Chen Zhaodi's old injury on her right arm (the former bone crack) recurred, but she was optimistic and strong, and she did not back down.
Rushing to the opening of the National Games in August, just two months before the opening of the National Games, Chen Zhaodi made a difficult decision in the midst of difficulties - to compete. But she vows, "I can do it."
In a difficult situation, Chen Zhaodi stood up, brought pain, with indomitable perseverance and courageous fighting spirit, appeared in the National Games as a "one-armed general" Her fighting spirit and outstanding performance amazed everyone, including the incredible Japan team After this game, the reputation of "one-armed general" spread throughout the country and became synonymous with Chen Zhaodi.
Chen Zhaodi once again showed her strength at the 1982 Asian Championships. Later, Lang Ping recalled: "I always felt that I could defeat them, but I just couldn't do it, and then in the Asian Championship, I won and defeated Japan for the first time, and since then, it has completely turned the tables.
We suppressed the Japan team for at least ten years, and only occasionally lost once! "This victory made athletes and fans feel proud alike, and also made the Chinese women's volleyball team truly go to the world stage.
In the 1981 World Cup, Chen Zhaodi once again showed her iron man spirit. Before the final, her back injury suddenly recurred, and Lang Ping on the side was very anxious. Although the beads of sweat kept slipping, Chen Zhaodi didn't say a word, and never cried out in pain.
She has always gritted her teeth and persevered, giving her all for 5 consecutive games without the slightest slack.
When the last game ended, Chen Zhaodi could barely stand, but fortunately, a teammate stepped forward in time to help. They cheered together for victory, full of tears of emotion and pride. As Lang Ping later recalled: "We helped her to the podium, her waist was almost straight, and her little hands were shaking in pain."
Our team members were crying, and I admired her from the bottom of my heart,...... Chen Zhaodi's tenacious spirit will always inspire me ......".
Chen Zhaodi profoundly interpreted the spirit of the Chinese women's volleyball team with her actions, showing the values of never giving up and winning glory for the country. Her perseverance and tenacious fighting spirit not only infected her teammates, but also deeply inspired every Chinese who paid attention to the women's volleyball team.
Chen Zhaodi, an ordinary girl from Hangzhou, wrote a legend of Chinese sports in her own way.
Chen Zhaodi's fighting spirit and outstanding performance have laid a solid foundation for the "five consecutive championships" of the Chinese women's volleyball team. She not only witnessed and devoted herself to the early rise of the Chinese women's volleyball team, from winning the Asian championship in 1979 to winning the world championship in 1981, Chen Zhaodi and her teammates have paid countless sweat and efforts to win supreme glory for the country with the victory of the Chinese women's volleyball team.
However, behind the glory achieved on the field, there is a huge physical drain. After years of high-intensity training and competition, especially the experience of insisting on competing despite injury, Chen Zhaodi brought serious damage to her body.
After the 1982 World Championships, at the age of 27, she had to retire due to injury and leave the arena she loved so much.
The decision to retire brought Chen Zhaodi an extremely painful experience. Every time she sees the picture of the Chinese women's volleyball team on TV, she always shows regret and reluctance.
However, she knew that this was a sacrifice that had to be made for the sake of national honor, and for nearly a year, she worked hard to recuperate her body, while also beginning to try to cultivate new feelings.
Although Chen Zhaodi's volleyball career seemed to have come to a successful end after losing to Japan in the 1982 Asian Championships, in 1983, the Chinese women's volleyball team faced a tough 23rd Olympic Games, and it was for this reason that the coaching staff once again extended a strong hand to Chen Zhaodi and sincerely invited her to return to the team as a coach.
Faced with the call of the motherland, Chen Zhaodi agreed without hesitation. She said: "As long as the country needs it, I am ready to contribute to the women's volleyball team. Although she has retired, she is still willing to devote her efforts to the cause of Chinese volleyball.
In 1984, at the Los Angeles Olympics, the Chinese women's volleyball team won the gold medal for the first time, achieving the "three consecutive championships" of the World Cup, the World Championships and the Olympic Games. Chen Zhaodi, although she did not stand on the field, her tears were full of pride in her motherland.
For this glory, she has paid countless sweat and hard work.
This experience made Chen Zhaodi more determined to fight for the cause of Chinese volleyball, and she often said to the people around her: "As long as the country needs it, I am willing to dedicate my life to volleyball." This love of volleyball and loyalty to her country have also become the main theme of her life.
Chen Zhaodi did not stay away from the volleyball circle after retirement. In 1985, an important moment in her life ushered in, that is, she tied the knot with Guo Xiaoming, a basketball player of the former Bayi Industrial Brigade.
After marriage, she continued to pay attention to the development of the Chinese women's volleyball team and contributed her strength to the growth of the younger generation.
Chen Zhaodi's story is a representative of thousands of Chinese athletes who have won glory for the country and sacrificed at any cost. She practiced the greatness of patriotism and sportsmanship with her actions.
After retiring, she still cares about volleyball and continues to contribute to China's sports in her own way, and her experience is not only a personal glory, but also a vivid embodiment of China's sportsmanship.
However, a happy life is not so easy to come by. During a routine physical examination in 1988, Chen Zhaodi was diagnosed with rectal carcinoid carcinoid. The sudden bad news was unbearable for her for a while.
Fortunately, the lesion was successfully removed, and the operation was very successful, and this experience made Chen Zhaodi cherish life even more, and also made her full of new expectations for her future life.
In 1989, Chen Zhaodi once again stood at the forefront of volleyball. The Chinese women's volleyball team is preparing to reorganize, and the National Sports Commission invited Chen Zhaodi to serve as the leader of the women's volleyball team in order to win the championship. Faced with the needs of the motherland, Chen Zhaodi accepted this task without hesitation.
Former women's volleyball head coach Hu Jin said: "As long as the women's volleyball team needs it, no matter when, she will respond as soon as possible, this is our Chen Zhaodi!" "
During her tenure as team leader, Chen Zhaodi trained a number of outstanding volleyball players such as Li Yunwu, Mao Wuyang, Cui Yongmei, and Lai Yawen. At the same time, she also worked with head coach Hu Jin to improve the technical and tactical play of the women's volleyball team, helping the Chinese women's volleyball team stand on the podium of the continental and world series for 6 times.
Chen Zhaodi has made indelible contributions to the cause of Chinese volleyball.
However, the news came in 1990 that the 3-year-old daughter Guo Chen was diagnosed with congenital myocarditis. Chen Zhaodi was like being hit by a thunderbolt on a sunny day, and her heart was like a knife. She needs to do her best to balance work and family, but because her husband works hard in Hainan, she has to support the family behind her back.
Although Chen Zhaodi has considered giving up her job, she is also worried that her decision will have an impact on the development of the women's volleyball team.
In 1993, Chen Zhaodi had to leave the women's volleyball team due to a recurrence of a back injury left in the early game, and transferred to the Culture and Sports Bureau of the General Political Department. Despite leaving the familiar arena, she still cares about and supports volleyball.
In 1998, her daughter Guo Chen began to show her passion for volleyball. Chen Zhaodi was very worried about her daughter's physical condition, but when she saw the firmness in the child's eyes, she felt that it was all worth it.
She said to her daughter Guo Chen: "Everyone has the right to pursue their dreams, I hope you can be like me and fight for the cause you love" At this moment, Chen Zhaodi seemed to see the shadow of her youth and felt extremely gratified.
In July 2006, Chen Zhaodi's life once again ushered in a highlight moment. She was approved for promotion to major general, becoming the first woman in China to be promoted from athlete to general. This honor is an affirmation of her life's contribution, a noble honor, and another pinnacle of her life.
Chen Zhaodi's eyes flashed with pride, and she felt that her efforts had finally been recognized by the country.
However, fate is often full of drama. In 2008, Chen Zhaodi and Song Shixiong suddenly collapsed after commenting on the women's volleyball game at the Beijing Olympics. After examination, she was diagnosed with liver cancer, and the cancer cells had invaded other organs.
This bad news was like a bolt from the blue, and Chen Zhaodi and her family fell into great grief.
In the face of illness, Chen Zhaodi maintained the steadfastness of an athlete. She opted for medication to control her condition rather than surgery to remove the lesion. She insists on an optimistic attitude and strives every day.
Her husband Guo Xiaoming also fully supported and took care of her wholeheartedly.
Her daughter, Guo Chen, often cries secretly after learning of her mother's illness, but in front of her mother, she always remains strong and optimistic, and strives to create a warm and happy family atmosphere.
Guo Chen knows her mother's love for volleyball and her concern for the volleyball career of the motherland, she studied hard through her own efforts, and finally became a national volleyball referee, Chen Zhaodi is extremely pleased with her growth.
In the last years of her life, Chen Zhaodi often recalled her athletic career. When she mentioned those eventful years, her eyes always sparkled with pride, and she said to her daughter: "No matter how long the course of life is, it is worth dedicating your strength to the country."
At the end of 2012, Chen Zhaodi was hospitalized due to severe deterioration of her condition. Her former teammates often visit her and reminisce about the happy times they used to play together. However, on April 1, 2013, 58-year-old Chen Zhaodi closed her eyes forever under the blow of double cancer.
After Chen Zhaodi's body was cremated, her daughter Guo Chen found five steel nails from her ashes that once represented her honor as an athlete, which are the best testimony to her dedication to the country and volleyball.
Although Chen Zhaodi has passed away, her spirit will always live in people's hearts. Her daughter Guo Chen inherited her mother's beliefs and became a national volleyball referee and continued to contribute to the cause of Chinese volleyball.
Guo Chen integrates his mother's fighting spirit into his work, and expresses his love for volleyball with a professional and rigorous attitude.
In 2017, Guo Chen attended the wedding of a good friend. There was a bouquet of flowers thrown at the wedding, when Guo Chen and Zhang Bo were hit by the bouquet together, and this "accidental" episode became the beginning of the love story between the two of them.
In 2018, Guo Chen and Zhang Bo, who have been in love for many years, held a low-key wedding in Beijing. Two years later, they welcomed their daughter, and the child's laughter made Guo Chen seem to see the shadow of his mother when she was young.
She often talks about her grandmother in front of her daughter, hoping to pass on Chen Zhaodi's spirit.
It has been 11 years since Chen Zhaodi's death, but her family has never forgotten her. Guo Chen continues to make progress in his career, and his family is full of happiness. Every time they take family photos, Guo Chen and Zhang Bo will deliberately set aside a place and put Chen Zhaodi's photo in, as if she has never left their side.
Chen Zhaodi's husband Guo Xiaoming gradually got out of the pain of losing his wife and started a new life. Although he has a new reliance, he always cherishes the good time spent with Chen Zhaodi in his heart.
The two people Chen Zhaodi is most concerned about, namely her husband and daughter, are now living happily ever after. Her daughter has a successful career, a happy family, and a happy smile every day, which is completely in line with her imagination of her daughter's future.
Chen Zhaodi's life is the epitome of Chinese sportsmanship. Her story will always inspire us to work hard to achieve our dreams. Even after leaving this world, her spirit is still passed on to her family and future generations, becoming an eternal spiritual treasure.