Stories told by Second Elder Sister of Coach
Chen Zhonghe
It is believed that the stories about Chen Zhonghe leading China National
Women's Volleyball Team to win back their glory have been well reported by the
media. However
there are few anecdotes about his life in his hometown. Chen's
second elder sister Chen Shuli may not be a good tale-teller, but the vivid
details she mentioned portrayed a picture of Chen Zhonghe that is new to the
public.
Story of Failing Exams in Childhood
Chen Zhonghe was very naughty as a boy. He failed to go up to the second
grade twice in the primary school. When he struggled to grade two after three
years in grade one, the school happened to be setting up a volleyball team. As
Chen Zhonghe was crazy about the sport, his teacher "threatened" to dismiss the
volleyball team if he didn't do well in his study. This tact proved to be very
effective, and he never had truancy again. "He was perseverant in practicing
volleyball, and didn't give up training even when he was injured. There used to
be a small yard in the house and he practiced smashing against the wall every
weekend." That's why he could go from the Longhai County Team to Fujian
Provincial Team and finally recommended by Mr. Yuan Weimin to join the national
team.
Story of Love Letter in Youth
Young Chen Zhonghe was extremely handsome and it explained the reason why
he likes taking photos. In the old pictures, he was always smiling with
boundless affection in his eyes. The handsome young man was like a pop-star in
young women's heart in Longhai County, many of whom dangled after him. According
to Chen Shuli, some girls wrote love letters to her brother. "My brother kept
those letters away from us, but by chance, I was able to read one of them." The
letter was a paper full of the word: "unreasonable!" She guessed that the girl
might be writing this as a "complaint" when she couldn't bear her brother's
quiet refusal any longer.
Story of Filial Piety in Middle Age
Chen Zhonghe could hardly find time to stay for a few days in his hometown
Longhai County ever since he joined the National Women's Volleyball Team.
Writing letter and making phone calls have gradually become the way he contacts
his family. " Zhonghe usually calls back home once or twice a week. He has kept
this habit for years. He tells us things like this: "I'm in Beijing, or I'm
abroad participating in games, or I'm in Hunan Province's training base…"
Wherever he was, he keeps the family in his heart. His aged mother sometimes
behaves like a child. If Chen Zhonghe spoke to his sister before talking to mom
on the phone, the old lady would be upset. In such case, Chen would immediately
apologize: "Sorry mom, I will talk with you first next time." From then on, the
son always talks to his mother before speaking to others, and a call can keep
his mother happy for many hours.
