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Mixed Reaction from Chinese After Liu Xiang Fails in Olympic Heat

It is a sad day for the Chinese people. While Team China’s performance in the first week of the 2008 Olympic games was nothing short of spectacular, no appearance by a Chinese athlete was more widely anticipated then that of 110m hurdler Liu Xiang. Today, at the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing, Liu Xiang did not even run;his injured Achilles tendon did not allow him to qualify for the finals. Millions of adoring fans around China watched in disbelief as Xiang limped away from the track and later collapsed. Inside the stadium, Chinese people wept as their running star was attended too; it was a heart-breaking afternoon.

“I am angry,” a student told me today. “I wonder if he was even hurt.” Other students were more understanding. “We are disappointed,” said another student. “We thought he would do much better but now he is finished.” They did not blame Liu, explaining to me that he failed because of “natural” causes. Most of my friends and students here seemed to feel compassion for the fallen star.

Reactions on the web, however, were much harsher. Some Chinese forums that I visited this afternoon demonstrate that there is anger in China over Liu Xiang’s failure to live up to the country’s expectations. One poster wrote about his despise for Liu Xiang while others called on him to retire and never compete again. Still others suggested that the only thing that Liu really ever cared about was his lucrative sponsorship deals. One person even wrote that Liu Xiang should have at least tried despite his injury.

I believe that Liu Xiang made the right decision. He did what Yao Ming should have done a long time ago; just not compete. Making sacrifices to represent your country is one thing; hurting yourself further is quite another. I am also disappointed that he decided not to compete. I would have enjoyed seeing him run. I guess I will have to wait for a few more years.

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