Liu Xiang ignites passions with victory at National Games
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Olympic goldmedalist Liu Xiang (C) from Shanghai competes during the men's 110m hurdles of athletics at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 25, 2009. Liu claimed the title of the event. [Xinhua/Fan Changguo] |
The race was Liu's first since he staged his comeback from Achilles tendon surgery last month at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix. He finished second in a wind-aided 13.15 seconds after crossing the line neck and neck with American Terrence Trammell.
"After I accepted the surgery, I was in doubt of myself and cannot see my future. But with one match after another, I gradually recovered. I believed in myself." said Liu.
As the first Chinese male athlete to win an Olympic track gold, Liu is one of the nation's favorite sports stars like NBA Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming.
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Olympic goldmedalist Liu Xiang (C) from Shanghai competes during the men's 110m hurdles of athletics at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 25, 2009. Liu claimed the title of the event with 13.34 seconds. [Xinhua/Jiao Weiping] |
Supporters were shocked and heartbroken when Liu limped out of the Bird's Nest last year at the Beijing Olympics due to the foot injury.
Thirteen months later, the strong-minded man thrilled the home crowd with strong comeback in Shanghai and proved he still had the strength to catch up with current record holder Dayron Robles of Cuba.
Liu's victory on Sunday made him become the first Chinese athlete to win an event in a row in three straight Games.
"To be a triple champion was great. I still hope to win the fourth next time," said a beaming Liu.
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