I can’t believe Liu Xiang is out without a race!

Liu Xiang’s withdrawal shocked the people of China and broke their heart into million pieces

The men’s 110m hurdle is one of the most anticipated event in the Beijing Olympic Games. All eyes set on Liu Xiang to defend his Olympic title 4 years ago in Athens. No doubt, Liu Xiang was the most pressured China athlete to deliver a gold on his home soil. My eyes watched in disbelief as Liu Xiang withdraws from Men’s 110m Hurdles.The first round competition of Men’s 110m Hurdles took place at the Bird’s Nest National Stadium for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games as defending Olympic champion Liu Xiang dropped out after getting injured. Oh My God! Liu Xiang is out of the Olympic 110m race ! Unbelievable…Its all over and done for Liu Xiang without a run in Olympics. I can’t believe Liu Xiang is out without a race!

I was wondering what happened to him and how could an injury occurred before the race? It is more easier for me to understand and relate to his situation as I’m an athlete before. Usually, athletes that are targeted to win will push themselves too far to live up to the pressure and expectation from the people in order to secure a gold medal. Many people might felt disappointed with Liu Xiang because people have this impression that Liu Xiang is as mighty as superman and they want this “hero” to win so much that in their mindset, it is impossible for him to lose. Liu Xiang might be out of the race for the Olympic Games but i believe his 4 years of discipline, hardwork, sacrifices and dedication will not wipe him off as the national hero.

Well, that’s life of an athlete. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. That’s why i always use this quote to sum up an athlete’s life. ““Tough people are not born… they are made when there was no one there to wipe their tears away. Therefore, be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind” Now, compared to Liu Xiang, Chong Wei’s lost doesn’t seems as hard to swallow isn’t it? Injury is the worst fear of any athlete. I was force to retire after a recurring knee injury that prevent me to go further in my badminton career. Well, that’s old story and besides sport, there are other meaningful things in life.