Chinese track star Liu Xiang, who at 23 already owns the 110m
hurdles world record and Olympic title, intends to remain a force
in his sport into his 30s, state media reported on Monday.
"I've already decided?that the 2008 Beijing Olympics won't
be the end for me. I also want to compete in the 2012 London
Olympics and keep running past the age of 30," Liu told the
Beijing News.
"I want to prove to myself that I'm not just a flash in the
pan."
Liu is a national hero through his emerging dominance of the
high hurdles and is a hot favourite to bring China glory on its
home soil when Beijing hosts the 2008 Olympics.
Liu won Olympic gold in 2004 in Athens, becoming the first male
Chinese competitor to win a track and field gold medal and set the
world record of 12.88 seconds in the event earlier this year.
However, Chinese athletics officials expressed concern recently
that a domestic media frenzy surrounding Liu and the weight of
Olympic expectations could prove too much for him and derail his
career.
But Liu, who signalled a changing of the guard in 2004 when he
beat his former idol, the American hurdling great Allen Johnson,
said he has the focus to equal Johnson's longevity as well.
"Even after reaching 35, Johnson's achievements have been very
good. I can't fall short of that. I want to prove to everyone that
besides surpassing him (on the track), when it comes to longevity,
I also can keep running past 30," Liu said. "I've already proven
that I'm on a par with American and European athletes. Now I want
to strive to compete in two more Olympic Games. I've matured," he
said.
(China Daily via AFP December 29, 2006)