It was August 18 when the news of Liu Xiang pulling out of the Olympic men's 110m hurdles race, due to an injury, came out. The Internet was crackling that day; and it was not destined a peaceful day for Chinese net users.

Netizen "Peach" said: "Liu Xiang must be sadder than anyone else right now. Although he pulled out the contest, I believe he has already done his best; and I believe we are still proud of him."

"Glass Devil" said: "The most important spirit of Olympics is 'participation.' As for Liu Xiang, he already won the game when he was standing on the starting line with his injury."

After seeing those criticizing Liu Xiang out of disappointment, "Rui Ling" appealed to not be too emotional, and said: "We should not complain about the man who had paid so much more than we can imagine. He prepared for 4 years and I don’t think he would have just quit like that at the last moment had it not been for the injury."

"I am tiger who is afraid of no one" said: "I value the gold medal, but I care much more about the health of Liu Xiang. I will remember his splendor forever no matter how he did this time."
　　
"Changing day by day" said: "The life of sport is much more important than an Olympic gold medal."

"Water-blue melody" felt sad about Liu's departure and said: "I have been waiting for the moment that he can fly again. Regardless if gold or silver and bronze are the highlights of the contest. But…"she also said, "We all remember the moment that he created history, and he still makes us proud now. We will always support him."

As seen from the interactive programs of People's Daily Online, Xinhuanet and CCTV.com, Chinese netizens have changed their minds. "Glaiver" wrote in his blog: " 'where there is life, there is hope'. You (Liu Xiang) missed the Olympics in Beijing, while London is waving to you. You’d better recover yourself as well as possible, and we believe that you will fly much higher after the wind and rain."

By People's Daily Online