Slow healing of a fragile beauty

More than a year after Zhao Ruirui's ankle injury, the tallest Chinese women's volleyball player of the past decade and 2004 Athens Olympic gold medalist still can't step on court. The only things that reminds her of her glorious past are the 10 trophies and medals neatly arranged in a cabinet in her 40 sq m living room

On April 3, 2008, Zhao broke her anklebone during a training session in the lead up to the Beijing Olympics. On January 13, 2009, she had an operation on her leg. She is still recovering at home.

While Zhao's teammates are attending games all over the country, Zhao is restricted to doing light physical excise for an hour in the morning, then having a nap and resting at home during the day.