The Beijing Olympics was always going to be a double edged sword for the Chinese regime. While they focused on infrastructure, we have had digital enhancement of the opening ceremony, prettier little girls who can’t sing and now, Liu Xiang.
Liu Xiang, clearly a very good hurdler when he won the gold medal in 2004, has now been exposed as a show pony and c- grade actor.
First he played up to the camera in the holding area, then we saw him kicking the wall, apparently in frustration. Bizarrely, he was kicking with his injured right foot.
He chose to come to the starting blocks only to act out an injury with a performance that even the most dramatic of soccer players would be proud of.
Let’s wait for the real story to emerge.
In the meantime, our unintended insight into China continues.
LeftArmSpinner
Guest
I am not saying he wasnt injured. If he was, why turn up at all and then go thro the histrionics of a 9 year old? Injured or not, the behaviuour was over the top, even for a track and field athlete!! In my mind, it surpasses the guy who lay down on the track for a few hours because he had false started. Give us a break. move on!!!
Rabbitz
Guest
Maybe he was worried about having to pee in a little jar? Seriously I think he was genuinely disappointed and put on a show. Maybe he was just trying to get some air time for his sponsors?
Jameswm
Guest
No doubt he's injured. He'd have run if he didn't. Did he come to the track and show us the injury to save face with the Chinese? I don't know enough about their culture to answer that. It was a circus though. And don't expect us to ever find out the truth - don't know why you expect the truth to ever come out.
dasilva
Guest
I don't think that prove he is faking. Because he stuff up by getting injured some people like to feell pain for punishment and kick the injured leg to the wall seems to be a good idea. His injury let down the entire country you think its quite reasonable to have a little self-punishment
ohtani's jacket
Guest
Why would he fake an injury in the heats? He won at the World Champs last year in Osaka.
Anon
Guest
Was he really injured? Was he told to drop out by someone who wouldbe embarrased if he lost?