Liu Xiang confident in Asian Games
Chinese star Liu Xiang believes that he can win the gold medal in the men's 110m hurdles in the upcoming Guangzhou Asian Games.
The former world and Olympic champion, who has been slowed down by injuries in recent years, said he is fit to compete in the quadrennial multi-sport meet.
"It should not be a problem. My condition is pretty good," the 27-year-old said.
Liu also dismissed speculations that he will hang up his running shoes after the Guangzhou Asiad.
"The Asian Games is a preparation for all the competitions next year and the year after," he said.
Liu last competed in this year's IAAF Diamond League in Shanghai where he finished third behind American David Oliver and compatriot Shi Dongpeng. Shi has since moved up in rankings and is expected to give Liu a stiff challenge in Guangzhou.
Liu rose to fame at the 2004 Athens Olympics when he won the 110m hurdles to become the first Chinese man to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics. He became one of the biggest heroes in China after his historic feat.
Liu won a silver medal in the world championships the following year in Helsinki, barely losing to Frenchman Ladji Doucoure. But Liu made up for his loss to finally win a world title two years later in Osaka. He also won the world indoor title in the 60m in 2008. Liu's victory in Osaka made him the first Chinese athlete to claim the so-called triple crown of athletics.
Liu's fortunes, however, changed when he sustained an Achilles tendon injury. The injury forced him to withdraw from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking the hearts of millions of Chinese fans.
Liu made a comeback last year and is slowly regaining his old form. He won gold medals in his pet event in last year's Asian Championships and East Asian Games.
The former world and Olympic champion, who has been slowed down by injuries in recent years, said he is fit to compete in the quadrennial multi-sport meet.
"It should not be a problem. My condition is pretty good," the 27-year-old said.
Liu also dismissed speculations that he will hang up his running shoes after the Guangzhou Asiad.
"The Asian Games is a preparation for all the competitions next year and the year after," he said.
Liu last competed in this year's IAAF Diamond League in Shanghai where he finished third behind American David Oliver and compatriot Shi Dongpeng. Shi has since moved up in rankings and is expected to give Liu a stiff challenge in Guangzhou.
Liu rose to fame at the 2004 Athens Olympics when he won the 110m hurdles to become the first Chinese man to win an Olympic gold medal in athletics. He became one of the biggest heroes in China after his historic feat.
Liu won a silver medal in the world championships the following year in Helsinki, barely losing to Frenchman Ladji Doucoure. But Liu made up for his loss to finally win a world title two years later in Osaka. He also won the world indoor title in the 60m in 2008. Liu's victory in Osaka made him the first Chinese athlete to claim the so-called triple crown of athletics.
Liu's fortunes, however, changed when he sustained an Achilles tendon injury. The injury forced him to withdraw from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, breaking the hearts of millions of Chinese fans.
Liu made a comeback last year and is slowly regaining his old form. He won gold medals in his pet event in last year's Asian Championships and East Asian Games.
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