Liu Xiang, most secret man at National Games
Liu Xiang, most secret man at National Games
22:22, October 20, 2009 
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When organizers tested the device and referees rehearsed last time for the upcoming athletic events at the 11th National Games, the first name echoed around the stadium through announcing system for trial was "Liu Xiang from Shanghai delegation".
However, where is Liu Xiang was still the top secret across the host Jinan City. Organizers had no idea, neither did the sports official nor the most gossiping journalist.
Liu, 26, was due in the starting blocks for the 110-meter hurdles heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday if he goes on wheels.
In order to shut out the noise and focus on the meeting, the Athens Olympic champion had been training for days in a secret base, which might be in his hometown Shanghai or the host city, according to a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
"We really have no idea where he(Liu) is. It's not a so-called 'privilege' as there are so many fans, medias, volunteers waiting for him," Zhang Yongliang, director of the competition committee, told press.
"Please understand his decision and let him be quiet, otherwise he can not concentrate on the preparation," he added.
Liu, the first Chinese athlete to win a Olympic track gold in 2004, remains one of the nation's biggest star like NBA Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming.
Liu's popularity was waning since he limped out of the Bird's Nest last year at the Beijing Olympics, leaving supporters shocked and heartbroken.
However, 13 months later, the Athens Olympic champion thrilled the home town crowd in last month's Shanghai Golden Grand Prix with a strong comeback, crossing the line neck and neck with American Terrence Trammell in 13.15.
The much-expected race at the on going National Games, China's top national-level sport gala, has become the most popular event due to Liu's attendance.
A ticket sales official with the organising committee told Xinhua that 64% of the finals' tickets had been sold out up to Monday and the best viewing seats had all been sold.
"Everyone here wants to see him (Liu), gain his signature and take a photo together. So when he came here on Oct. 16 to register for the match, we allowed his permission to live and train separately, not like others in the athlete's village." Shen Chunde, vice-director of the Chinese Athletic Association, told Xinhua on Monday.
"To be in secret maybe is the best choice for him." Shen added.
Source:Xinhua
However, where is Liu Xiang was still the top secret across the host Jinan City. Organizers had no idea, neither did the sports official nor the most gossiping journalist.
Liu, 26, was due in the starting blocks for the 110-meter hurdles heats on Saturday and finals on Sunday if he goes on wheels.
In order to shut out the noise and focus on the meeting, the Athens Olympic champion had been training for days in a secret base, which might be in his hometown Shanghai or the host city, according to a press conference on Tuesday afternoon.
"We really have no idea where he(Liu) is. It's not a so-called 'privilege' as there are so many fans, medias, volunteers waiting for him," Zhang Yongliang, director of the competition committee, told press.
"Please understand his decision and let him be quiet, otherwise he can not concentrate on the preparation," he added.
Liu, the first Chinese athlete to win a Olympic track gold in 2004, remains one of the nation's biggest star like NBA Houston Rockets' center Yao Ming.
Liu's popularity was waning since he limped out of the Bird's Nest last year at the Beijing Olympics, leaving supporters shocked and heartbroken.
However, 13 months later, the Athens Olympic champion thrilled the home town crowd in last month's Shanghai Golden Grand Prix with a strong comeback, crossing the line neck and neck with American Terrence Trammell in 13.15.
The much-expected race at the on going National Games, China's top national-level sport gala, has become the most popular event due to Liu's attendance.
A ticket sales official with the organising committee told Xinhua that 64% of the finals' tickets had been sold out up to Monday and the best viewing seats had all been sold.
"Everyone here wants to see him (Liu), gain his signature and take a photo together. So when he came here on Oct. 16 to register for the match, we allowed his permission to live and train separately, not like others in the athlete's village." Shen Chunde, vice-director of the Chinese Athletic Association, told Xinhua on Monday.
"To be in secret maybe is the best choice for him." Shen added.
Source:Xinhua
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