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LIU Xiang: China's hurdling star at 20

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LIU Xiang: China's hurdling star at 20

LIU Xiang: The Golden Hurdler Who Changed Chinese Athletics

  • Name: LIU Xiang
  • Age: 37
  • Nationality: Chinese (P.R.C.)
  • Profession: Athletics - 110m Hurdles

Achievements

Liu Xiang is often considered the most accomplished athlete in the history of Chinese athletics, particularly in the realm of sprinting and hurdles. He is a trailblazer for Chinese track and field athletes, becoming the first to win an Olympic medal in the 110m hurdles event, a feat that placed him firmly on the global stage.
Born in Shanghai, China, Liu initially pursued high jump before switching to the 110m hurdles at the age of 16, under the guidance of his coach SUN Haiping. Liu’s natural speed and ability to hurdle quickly made him a standout, and his dedication soon transformed him into one of the world’s top hurdlers.
His career is marked by numerous titles and accolades, including:
  • Four World Athletics Championship Medals:
    • One gold
    • Two silvers
    • One bronze
  • Three Consecutive Asian Games Gold Medals
  • Olympic Gold in Athens 2004: Liu became an international sensation after winning the gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics. He not only won but did so in a world-record-equalling time of 12.91 seconds, breaking the Olympic record in the process, a mark that still stands today.
  • World Record: In 2006, Liu broke the long-standing world record held by Colin Jackson, running a time of 12.88 seconds at the IAAF Super Grand Prix in Lausanne, Switzerland. This was one of the defining moments of his career and cemented his place in the annals of track and field history.
  • The “Triple Crown” Achievement (2007): Liu became the only male athlete to simultaneously hold the Olympic Gold, World Championship Gold, and World Record in the 110m hurdles after winning gold at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka, Japan, with a time of 12.95 seconds.

Surprising Fact

One of the most remarkable moments in Liu's career occurred on August 27, 2004, when he became a global sensation. At the Athens Olympics, he claimed the gold medal in the 110m hurdles, winning in 12.91 seconds and equaling the world record. This victory broke the long-standing European and U.S. dominance in the event and made Liu a household name in China, alongside basketball icon Yao Ming.

What is Liu Xiang up to now?

After an illustrious career, Liu's performance began to decline due to injuries, and he withdrew from both the Beijing 2008 Olympics and the London 2012 Olympics. These setbacks were a turning point in his career, leading to his eventual retirement from competitive athletics.
In April 2015, Liu made his retirement official, posting a statement on Weibo, the Chinese social media platform, announcing he was hanging up his spikes for good. After retiring, Liu transitioned into a career in reality television, where he made appearances and even returned to hurdling for some special events, though not at the competitive level.
Post-retirement, Liu has led a low-key life, largely staying out of the public eye. He has expressed how much he appreciates the time he now has with his family, something he felt he sacrificed during his career. Liu’s wish to live a more personal life outside of the demanding sports world has now come to fruition.
While no longer in the spotlight as he once was, Liu’s legacy remains significant in Chinese athletics and in the world of track and field. His breakthrough victories not only elevated the status of athletics in China but also inspired a generation of Chinese athletes to believe in their potential on the world stage.

Final Thoughts

Liu Xiang’s career will always be remembered for its pioneering nature, his determination to break records, and his ability to handle immense pressure on the world’s biggest stages. He remains one of the most iconic figures in athletics history, not just in China but worldwide.

 

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