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Athletics

Hurdles champion Liu Xiang in shock injury withdrawal

18/08/2008

The Olympic 110m hurdles champion Liu Xiang shocked a partisan home crowd this morning by pulling out of the Beijing Games with a leg injury.

The Chinese athlete, who surprised the world when he won gold in the event in Athens four years ago, was forced to limp away from the start line in his heat because of pain in his lower leg.

Liu pulled up following a false start and left the capacity crowd in the Olympic Stadium in a state of shock as they watched their hero limp disconsolately from the arena.

It was later confirmed the Chinese had suffered two separate injuries to his foot and leg and he may not be fit to compete again this year.

Television pictures released later showed Liu kicking out in frustration at a wall as the athletes waited to be led out into the stadium before the event, clearly showing he was aware of the problem before approaching the start line.

Liu's hurdles challenge was considered to be among the headline events for the home nation following his triumph in Greece in 2004.

However, his early exit has sent shockwaves around the country - leaving hundreds of fans inside the stadium in tears.