One name many Chinese Trackd and Field fans would have loved to have seen at the Golden Spikes event is Liu Xiang. But if all goes well, it may not be too long before we see the Olympic Champion back in the starting blocks.

Six months after undergoing surgery on his Achilles tendon, Liu Xiang continues to try to get back to his top form. Liu's rehabilitation has gotten him to the point where he can now sustain regular hurdling, but he remains cautious and calm about his recovery.

Liu Xiang, Chinese hurdler, said, "The recovery is not easy. My tendon was injured so badly that it needs more time to restore. its current recovery is faster than I thought. I need to make sure my foot restores to full health. Then I can try spikes shoes. I'm not in a hurry."

Liu has already qualified for the Berlin World Championship in August, thanks to his performance at last year's competition in Osaka. But he will miss this year's tournament and his precise return date is yet to be confirmed. Optimistic as he is, Liu doesn't seem worried.

Liu Xiang said, "People are worried, but I'm not. I think many are more anxious than me. To me, it's nothing to worry."

With that confidence, Liu is getting ready to increase his training as he knows his return means a lot to both him and his fans.

Liu Xiang will have his feet examined for the third time at the end of June. The result of that test will decide when Liu will put on his spiked shoes to begin more intense hurdles training.

If everything goes well, Liu Xiang hopes to step onto the track again at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix this September.

(CCTV June 19, 2009)