Liu Xiang meets with the media in Monaco (© Bob Ramsak)
Sun Haiping, the personal coach of World 110m Hurdles champion Liu Xiang has confirmed that his pupil’s recovery from his recent operation is going well, and if back to 13.20 secs shape by August he will compete at the 12th IAAF World Championships in Athletics, Berlin, Germany (15 to 23 Aug 2009).
Liu Xiang, 25-year-old, had surgery on his right Achilles' tendon in Houston, USA on 6 December, and last Friday, returned to hospital for the third consultation with doctors after surgery.
His recovery is going very well and he can walk without crutches right now, but he is still required to wear a special shoe. It is hoped he can be back in full training by April.
"After two more weeks, Liu may be able to walk in the pool," said Sun Haiping, who is accompanying the former World record holder during his rehabilitation in the USA. "At that time, Liu will practice walking in the pool with the resistance of water. The doctor said Liu was in very good condition."
"Liu will not attend the worlds unless he is able to run at least 13.20 seconds before that, otherwise it makes no sense for us to go to Berlin. That is likely to be too difficult for him ... He might be eliminated after the first heat and that would be terribly damaging to his confidence."
"The full recovery of Liu depends on many factors and it is hard to predict right now," said Feng Shuyong, who is the head Chinese coach and a member of the IAAF Coaches' Commission. "If he is in good condition, it will be possible for him to run at the World Championships."
China Daily and Reuters
NOTE: To read previous stories about Liu Xiang's injury and treatment click on the story titles in "Related Content" under the main photo
