Liu Xiang en route to his first world title (© Getty Images)
Liu Xiang was mobbed by thousands of adoring fans in Tian'anmen Square on Sunday morning (12) proving he is still one of the most popular sports stars in China despite his sad departure from the first round of last summer's Olympics in Beijing due to injury.
However, Liu Xiang’s defence of his World Championships 110m Hurdles title in Berlin this summer seems increasingly unlikely as the 25-year-old Chinese star doesn’t want to risk further injury by forcing his comeback too quickly after the recent operation in the USA on his right Achilles' tendon.
Secretly invited to attend the starting ceremony of 2009 Beijing International Long-distance Running Festival on Sunday morning (12), the reigning World and 2004 Olympic 110m hurdlers champion, made a surprise appearance in front of tens of thousands of runners who had turned out for this popular event which has built up a loyal local following since it began more than 50 years ago.
Thousands of people from all walks of life lace up their running shoes each year to take part in the festival all with the same aim, ‘keeping healthy’.
It’s a message that the hurdler’s camp has clearly taken to heart given the comments of Liu Xiang’s coach Sun Haiping at the event on Sunday:
"Attending the World Championships in August is too rushed for him, so attending competition in September or October is a better choice," said Sun about Liu Xiang’s rehabilitation. "He trains every day at present, but still cannot take on special training for striding hurdlers. We don't want to put him at risk again."
The scrum of excited fans many shouting and screaming greetings such as, "I love you, Liu Xiang!", "Liu, you're the best!" and "Come on, Liu. You will recover!" was so intense that the former World record breaker had to cut short his appearance to only six minutes to avoid a crush.
Since his return from the USA, Liu Xiang has been training in his hometown of Shanghai.
China Daily
See ‘Related Content’ for previous stories about Liu Xiang’s fitness
