Full coverage: 2016 Rio Olympics

One of the most important members of the Chinese team is undoubtedly Lang Ping who after a successful playing career, has been equally successful as a coach.

China's head coach Lang Ping celebrates after the women's gold medal match of Volleyball against Serbia at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Aug. 20, 2016. China won the gold medal. (Xinhua/Lin Yiguang)

In 1995, Lang took over the national team and guided the squad to the silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. In 2005, she became coach of the USA's women's team, after spending time leading a league team in Italy.

In the 2008 Beijing Games, Lang led the Americans to victory over China in the group stage, but came up short in the final as the US lost to Brazil, giving the Iron Hammer her second silver medal as coach. In 2013, Lang became coach of China once again, resulting in a much deserved gold medal in Rio to highlight her incredible career. Here is a closer look at China's journey to the top of the podium.