She said that from April, the start of a period of intensive training, until the competition in June, she experienced the darkest moments of her life, but achieved a breakthrough.

She nursed her baby between training sessions. She was exhausted from training, but still had to deal with the child, who cried incessantly as a result of premature weaning.

"Only a mother can understand the physical pain and mental pressure," Zhu said. Despite all the obstacles, she was determined to get the best results possible.

After winning the championship, she chose to return to her routine life.

She seldom plays soccer now because family matters dominate her days. She also has problems with her lower back, caused by frequently reaching down to the ground to scoop up the ball in front of the goal.

"It was a meaningful journey. I broke my own record. I was amazed that a mother in my age group could still get on the field, and that my skills were still suited to the game," she said.

Now, many of the team's members try to find the time to play when family matters allow. They play the sport for fun and take care to avoid injury.

"We usually play for two hours each time. After, we rarely have dinner together, though, as we have to hurry home to take care of our kids," said Xie, whose skin problems have eased.

"On the field, I completely ignore all of life's troubles."