The 2004 Asian heroes chosen by Time Magazine's Asia version have been announced, with Chinese hurdler and Athens Olympic champion Liu Xiang topping the list.

All the 20 Asian heroes and heroines are under the age of 40.

Liu Xiang was chosen for his extraordinary performance at the Athens Olympic Games and winning Asia's first 110 meter hurdles gold.

The list also includes Japanese baseball star Ichiro Suzuki, who set the record of single season singles in the MLB and Tan Yuanyuan, chief dancer with the San Francisco Ballet.

This is the third year for Time Asian Version to choose Asian Heroes.