'Nervous' Liu Xiang coasts to easy victory
By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-21 05:44

He won a silver medal with 13.06 at the Helsinki World Championships in August, and gold in the Asian championships a month ago in Inchon, South Korea. His record this season is impressive, with five gold medals, three silvers and two bronzes in ten tournaments.

As he stepped up to the starting line, Liu, who won China's first Olympic gold in men's athletics last year in Athens, brought the atmosphere in the stadium to fever pitch. Fans screamed his name around the stadium, and the young star responded with a wave.

"I should say thank you to all my fans who always support me," said Liu. "I'm very glad that my success can popularize Chinese track and field among spectators."

Liu will also take part in the 4x100 relay race for the Shanghai team tomorrow.

"I value the importance of the relay race more," said Liu, who is tipped to run the last leg. "Since it is a team event, I will try my best."