Liu Xiang equals the world record to take gold in the 110m hurdles in Athens (© Getty Images)
The Olympic victory of Chinese sprint hurdler Liu Xiang has thrust the 21 year-old from being just a well known face in the close knit world of domestic and international Athletics into the status of a national and continental super-star.
At the beginning of the month Liu Xiang topped the list of 20 people from all walks of life and professions who were chosen by Time Magazine's Asia version as '2004 Asian Heroes'. All winners were under the age of 40.
Liu Xiang of course was chosen for his extraordinary World record equalling performance in the 110m Hurdles at the Athens Olympic Games when he won China’s first ever Athletics gold in a men’s track and field discipline.
But now the 21 year-old’s life story is to be included in a modern comic drama entitled "Cuihua, Get Me Pickles", which will open for its fourth season at the central Beijing's Chang'an Theatre on 9 December 2004.
The new performance is said to be a Chinese stage version of successful American TV series "Friends", China Radio International has reported.
Mimicking the Olympic champion's newly won cult status among the young, the scene that includes Liu Xiang will see him being chased by girls. Created by students from China's Central Academy of Drama, the comedy series has been immensely popular among young audiences.
Undaunted by all this fame Liu Xiang is planning to continue his university studies. A senior at East China Normal University, he has a free chance to pursue an MA and PhD after completing his undergraduate degree, and the Shanghai-born hurdler intends to select Sports Management or English as part of his future studies.
Xinhuanet / IAAF