Liu Xiang (CHN) (© Getty Images)
Shanghai’s Liu Xiang briefly broke away from his preparations for the forthcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou to attend the closing ceremony of the World Expo in Shanghai, China, last Sunday 31 October.
The former World 110m Hurdles record holder joined Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan, former Olympic gymnastics champion Li Ning and pop singer Andy Lau and a cast of other celebrities, as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao brought an end to the Expo in a ceremony held in the shell-shaped Expo Cultural Center. Since its opening in May, more than 73 million people - a record for the extravaganza - have visited the World Expo with its displays by 189 countries.
Since returning to Shanghai at the beginning of September after three weeks of rehabilitation training in the United States, Liu Xiang, 27, has been preparing at his Xinzhuang Sports Centre training base to capture his third Asian Games title later this month.
The 2004 Olympic and 2007 World champion at 110m Hurdles, who hasn’t raced since his 13.40 sec third place finish at the Samsung Diamond League meeting in his home city on 23 May, is a member of the Chinese team of 977 athletes selected for the 16th Asian Games, the second largest multi-sports event in the world after the Olympic Games.
More than 14,000 athletes, trainers and coaches from 45 countries and regions are expected to take part in the Guangzhou Asian Games, vying for 476 gold medals in 42 sports.
Guangzhou is the third largest city in China with a population of over 10 million and will host the Games from 12 to 27 November with the athletics competitions taking place from 21 to 27.
"I want to win at my third Asian Games and add one gold medal for China, I'm in good form recently and I want to get the right feeling back gradually," confirmed Liu Xiang.
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“My biggest opponent in each race is myself, and I think my confidence should be based on real power… I'm always optimistic and I think I'm still in good form. Since I'm making improvement, my confidence will pile up as well.”
"The Asian Games is a preparation for all the competitions next year and the year after," said Liu indicating increased confidence about his participation in both the 2011 World Championships in Daegu and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Despite three seasons curtailed by injury, Liu Xiang remains a major celebrity in China, with Forbes magazine's respected annual list of China’s top celebrities ranking Liu Xiang ninth in its top ten, a list this year which was headed by the aforementioned Jackie Chan.
Chris Turner and Xinhua for the IAAF
The former World 110m Hurdles record holder joined Hong Kong film star Jackie Chan, former Olympic gymnastics champion Li Ning and pop singer Andy Lau and a cast of other celebrities, as Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao brought an end to the Expo in a ceremony held in the shell-shaped Expo Cultural Center. Since its opening in May, more than 73 million people - a record for the extravaganza - have visited the World Expo with its displays by 189 countries.
Since returning to Shanghai at the beginning of September after three weeks of rehabilitation training in the United States, Liu Xiang, 27, has been preparing at his Xinzhuang Sports Centre training base to capture his third Asian Games title later this month.
The 2004 Olympic and 2007 World champion at 110m Hurdles, who hasn’t raced since his 13.40 sec third place finish at the Samsung Diamond League meeting in his home city on 23 May, is a member of the Chinese team of 977 athletes selected for the 16th Asian Games, the second largest multi-sports event in the world after the Olympic Games.
More than 14,000 athletes, trainers and coaches from 45 countries and regions are expected to take part in the Guangzhou Asian Games, vying for 476 gold medals in 42 sports.
Guangzhou is the third largest city in China with a population of over 10 million and will host the Games from 12 to 27 November with the athletics competitions taking place from 21 to 27.
"I want to win at my third Asian Games and add one gold medal for China, I'm in good form recently and I want to get the right feeling back gradually," confirmed Liu Xiang.
.
“My biggest opponent in each race is myself, and I think my confidence should be based on real power… I'm always optimistic and I think I'm still in good form. Since I'm making improvement, my confidence will pile up as well.”
"The Asian Games is a preparation for all the competitions next year and the year after," said Liu indicating increased confidence about his participation in both the 2011 World Championships in Daegu and the 2012 London Olympic Games.
Despite three seasons curtailed by injury, Liu Xiang remains a major celebrity in China, with Forbes magazine's respected annual list of China’s top celebrities ranking Liu Xiang ninth in its top ten, a list this year which was headed by the aforementioned Jackie Chan.
Chris Turner and Xinhua for the IAAF