Liu Xiang? Still World's Greatest Hurdler?

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His name is Liu Xiang -- just 25 years old, but carrying the dreams of 1.3 billion people.

Liu is China's reigning Olympic Champion in the 110 meter hurdles.
And he is China's best hope for winning Gold in Track & Field.
But is the pressure too great for any one person to bear?
In recent months, according to the Times of London, Liu is no longer the UNQUESTIONED FAVORITE
What happened? First, injury. Just two months before the Beijing Games, a sore hamstring forced Liu to pull out of a big event in New York.
Soon after, Liu was disqualified from another race due to a false start -- his third in as many races. His coach said it was a small mistake, Liu was just too eager to run well.
But on top of all this, his rivals are breathing down his back. Just recently, one Cuban athlete broke Liu's World record, and one American came close to breaking it too.
Some believe defeat would be a disaster for Liu, and his country, which treats him like a superstar celebrity -- rivaled only by his friend, the Great Yao Ming.
But Liu says he will use the recent setbacks as motivation to excel.
He may take the advice of Australia's Gold Medal runner Cathy Freeman, who faced similar pressure during the Sydney Games. Liu, she says, should ignore all expectations and treat the races as another day in the office.
He also follows in the footsteps of another role model -- Michael Jordan -- and rely on his own proven ability to thrive under pressure. Indeed, Liu says the louder the crowd, the better he'll perform.

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[themintyness]

I'm not sad, I'm glad that he withdrew from the race, he would've caused permanent damage to his Achilles tendon, meaning it would have separated from his BONE. It takes a lot of courage to stand up to China and say, "I can't do it today, but I will heal and run again." Liu Xiang will always be my hero, and this is the true test of his character and abilities.

[adidasisloved]

That was really sad. I mean, I've always wanted to see him run. But now... I think it's okay. He's really strong. He's a true hero to me. (:

[Jamie Duffy]

robles all the way l

[BigBunkyWhopper]

I hope David Oliver crushes this communist clown in London.

[bajjilllion]

I know but i was asking why DOESNT he lean. it looks like he isnt leaning for the finish

[Robert Ellis]

in a typical 100 meter race lets say hurdles being 110. Even being the fastest athlete in the world you can only accelerate for about 30 to 40 percent of the race, or bolt who can for about 50 percent, the rest is just staying at that pace. the reason you lean forward at the end of a race is to get that extra .01 second. every sprinter should know

[Phead128]

OMG - 0:28 if he was running at me like that, I would curl up on a ball. lol

[Justin Willard]

he slows down before the finish line.....

[phozon14]

HESS A LEGEND AND PUREEE BBBEEEEEEEAAAAAASSSSSSTTTT

[savylbh]

um... what the helll???????????? you have no idea how much pain chinese citizens have faced throughout the years, with all the discrimination and hate going around, like you. it does not make you a pussy f youre injured and will probably get even more hurt if you try to run. its called being practical and smart. sometimes i just really cant stand the disgusting comments americans and the like put out. you make me grossed out. period.

[Ndjumbah]

tha answer to this stupid title...is

YES HE IS..

AMERIKAN BASTARD

[ariba1888]

What an Athlete Liu Xiang is God if I was chinese I couldn't tell you how much I'd be proud of him which I'm sure all chinese people are, he is absolutely amazing to watch what a talent : )