Zhu Ting, a 22-year-old Chinese volleyball star, joined Turkish club Vakifbank after leading China to Olympic gold last summer and went on to help her new team to the last eight of the European Championship in her debut season. Now she intends to stay in the country and build on a promising first year. 

She went to Turkey in September 2016, and soon became one of the team's key players. The team is now one of the most successful domestic volleyball teams in the world, most recently winning the 2013 FIVB Women's Club World Championship, but off the court, the team means a lot more for Zhu. 

"I'll stay with Vakifbank next season for sure," Zhu said. "It’s like a family because they take care of every athlete. Whatever the problem is, the team will always be there to help."

The Rio Olympic MVP was called up to the Chinese national team last month, but was unable to join up with the rest of the squad for training because of her commitments in Europe. Despite this, the 22-year-old still identifies herself first as a member of team China.

"I came here as an athlete, but right now I think I also represent Chinese volleyball as well as my Henan team, because I was selected to the national team from my local club and later coach Lang Ping introduced me to my current team," Zhu said. "I'll do my best to help the team achieve more victories, but I am still part of the Chinese national team and I'll keep our Chinese spirit while playing here."

Zhu has a huge fan base both at home and abroad, with fans in China following her games online. Some Chinese fans even make the long trip to cheer her on in person. 

"There were people shouting my name in Chinese in the first game I played here. I looked back and found it was an actual Chinese fan," she continued. "Many Chinese fans brought the national flag here to cheer for me, so every time I entered the court, I would automatically look for our national flag. Their support has always been the greatest motivation for me."