A Chinese athlete who dominated the 110m hurdles, winning Olympic gold and setting multiple world records, cementing his status as a national hero.
Known as the "Flying Man of the Track," Liu Xiang is a Chinese former 110-meter hurdler who etched his name in the annals of history as the first athlete from China to win a gold medal in a men's track and field event at the Olympic Games.
Liu's remarkable career is punctuated by numerous records and accolades. He is the Olympic record holder in the men's 110-meter hurdles with a time of 12.91 seconds, set at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Additionally, he is the only male athlete in history to be a World Record Holder, World Champion, and Olympic Champion in the same event.
Liu's journey to success began in 2001 when he won the East Asian Games in Osaka, Japan, with a time of 13.42 seconds. This victory was followed by another win at the Universiade in Beijing, where he clocked 13.33 seconds. The same year, he clinched the top spot at the National Games of China.
In 2002, Liu set an Asian record time at the Athletissima meeting, completing the event in 13.12 seconds. This feat broke Renaldo Nehemiah's long-standing world junior record, which had stood for almost 25 years.
The 2004 Athens Olympics will forever be etched in Liu's memory as the moment he brought glory to China. However, his subsequent performances at the Beijing Olympics and the London Olympics were marred by injuries and false starts, forcing him to withdraw from the competitions.
On April 7, 2015, Liu announced his retirement from professional athletics on Sina Weibo, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations of Chinese athletes.
Liu's success on the track was fueled by his unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for the sport. His story serves as a beacon of hope for young athletes, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, even the most seemingly insurmountable goals can be achieved.
Liu's remarkable achievements have played a significant role in popularizing track and field in China, paving the way for future generations of athletes. He has also inspired countless young people to take up sports, promoting a culture of health and wellness in the country.
"I want to be a symbol of hope for China, to show the world what we can do."
"Sports have given me so much, and I want to give back to the sport."
42 Years Old
A Chinese athlete who dominated the 110m hurdles, winning Olympic gold and setting multiple world records, cementing his status as a national hero.
43 Years Old
An American track and field athlete, specializing in the 110-meter hurdles, winning Olympic bronze and gold medals, and setting multiple world records. Known for his dominance in the hurdles event from 2006 to 2015.
45 Years Old
A former NBA shooting guard who played for several teams, including the Golden State Warriors and Orlando Magic, and won the NBA Three-Point Shootout in 2005. He's a 13-year veteran with over 14,000 career points.
38 Years Old
A world-class athlete who won Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records in the decathlon, a grueling 10-event competition that requires exceptional endurance, strength, and agility.
