Liu Xiang: Grace Under Pressure

Here are some thoughts from colleague Lin Yang:

Liu Xiang, China's sole track gold medalist and national icon who had to pull out of the 110 meters hurdles because of injury, seems to have enjoyed a charmed life and unfailing love from his followers. For millions of Chinese, Liu is the symbol of vitality, individuality, hope, and most importantly, national pride. His handsome face, defiant demeanor and self-confidence speak of a modern China, or how China would like to be seen by the world.

For my part, however, I have never been a big fan. In fact, I was growing weary of seeing pictures of him everywhere and particularly his smug smile. He was a was the champion who seemed to bask in the glory of being a superstar, but I wasn't sure there was any more to him than that.

Now I know there is. Faced with a tragic moment in his career, under tremendous pressure from a sports system where victory is everything and confronted by disillusioned, bitter former fans filled with righteous rage, Liu showed integrity, tenacity, and grace. At 10pm on the night of August 18th, the day he had to pull out of his qualifying heat, Liu appeared on Chinese television. He was calm, composed and quietly apologetic. "There are so many people supporting me, caring about me, helping me along the way, and I am really sorry," Liu said. He tried to explain what happened on the track but there was little he could say. "I also didn't want to see this happen. I thought of soldiering on, but if I did that, my tendon might have been permanently damaged. I really could not do it. At the moment I couldn't even put my feeling into words."

Liu also expressed an admirable optimism about his future. "I know I have the potential, if only I let my injury recover. I won't explain more. I believe I will get better. The main task for me at the moment is to get treatment for my injury. There are other opportunities next year, and years after that. I must think positively. I will not blame the circumstances and I do not give up easily. I will pull myself together. That is who I am."

This is who Liu is and his remaining fans, as well as new ones like me, love him for that.

Here's the link to the interview: