Yao Ming said last week that if he misses the Beijing Olympics due to injury, it would be the biggest loss of his career. And he is not alone - the other 1,200 Chinese athletes, training intensely for the Bejing Games, feel the same way.

Yao's recent foot injury sounded a warning bell for Chinese Olympians and officials, reminding everyone just how easily injuries - both physical and mental - can occur when athletes are training hard.

"We have been watching our athletes closely and trying to prevent them from any illness or injuries before the Games," said Cui Dalin, deputy-director of the State General Administration of Sport (SGAS), the top governing body of China's sports development.

A doctor with Third Hospital of Peking University examines the injured knee of Chinese female volleyball player Feng Kun.

Cui said the SGAS has strengthened its medical and psychological support system for the national teams. For example, a "Green channel" has been set up in many hospitals across Beijing to allow injured athletes easy access to the quickest and best possible treatment.

"Our athletes can get the quickest and best treatment in those hospitals," he said.

Five hospitals across the city that specialize in sports-related injuries have been designated for China's Olympians, including Third Hospital of Peking University, where star athletes such as Zheng Jie and Ma Xiaoxu received treatment.

To the relief of Chinese sports fans, superstar hurdler Liu Xiang now has special protection from potential ailments.

Chinese athletics team leader Feng Shuyong said some 30 physical therapists are currently working with the national squad. Liu has three personal doctors, including one from the US, who will help him take precaution and recover from any harm he may suffer.

The men's 110m hurdles Olympic champion and world record holder will run his first race of the new season at the World Indoor Championships in Valencia, Spain, tomorrow.

"We have had the best winter training session and Liu is in a sound form both physically and mentally," said Liu's coach Sun Haiping.

Sun is well known for his advanced and scientific training methods in athletics and has successfully prevented Liu from major injuries since 1998.

"We take every tiny injury very seriously, and avoiding injuries is our top priority before the upcoming Games," he said.