Liu Xiang sets the World 110m Hurdles record in Lausanne (© AFP / Getty Images)
The World record holder for the men’s 110m Hurdles Liu Xiang has confirmed he will captain the Chinese team competing at the Norwich Union International on the 19 and 20 August 2006 at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium.
The two-day international pitches the hosts Great Britain & Northern against teams from the USA, Russia and China.
The Olympic gold medallist, who set a new World record in Lausanne last month with a time of 12.88 seconds, beating the record he previously held together with Britain’s Colin Jackson, will be making his second appearance in the English midlands' city. Xiang Liu won the bronze medal at the 2003 World Indoor Championships over 60m Hurdles at the National Indoor Arena in the heart of Birmingham.
Two-times World champion Jackson originally set the previous World record for 110m Hurdles at the outdoor World Championships in 1993, a time which the Chinese equalled when he clinched gold at the 2004 Olympic Games.
Jackson believes the international match in Birmingham will provide a fantastic opportunity for athletes and spectators alike to see for themselves the strength in depth of the Chinese team.
“I think it’s great to see the Chinese athletes over in the UK as it’s only on very rare occasions that you actually see them compete abroad. You don’t see them on the circuit often but whoever they bring over here, there is no doubt they’ll be great runners,” commented Jackson.
“Xiang ran incredibly well in the race in Lausanne – it was a phenomenal performance and it will be really interesting to see how he runs over in the UK. We’d like to see athletes like Xiang competing much more and the Norwich Union International in Birmingham is an ideal opportunity. In fact in will be great for the world to see the whole Chinese team and witness what they can produce.”
The Shanghai athlete will provide tough competition for the opposition, led by US Champs bronze medallist Ryan Wilson and Nottingham’s Andy Turner, who won Commonwealth bronze earlier this year.
Kate McCall for the IAAF