World 110m hurdles champion Liu Xiang may need psychological help to deal with the memory of his dramatic exit from the Beijing Olympics, according to China's head athletics coach.
The former world record holder was scheduled to depart for the United States on Wednesday to consult with doctors over the injury that robbed him of the chance to defend his Olympic title on home soil.
Liu, China's best hope of a gold in athletics at the Beijing Games, hobbled out of the Bird's Nest stadium after an Achilles problem left him incapable of getting into the starting blocks for his opening heat on Aug. 18.
"Liu Xiang's problem is not only the Achilles heel but also the shadow over his mind," Feng told the China Youth Daily.
"It's been around 70 days since his Olympic exit. Liu appears to be relaxed and doing fine but in fact, the Olympics had a huge psychological impact on him.
"His coach, the family and his friends have been giving him guidance and that helps. However, we have been dealing with athletes for many years and we know how they think and we will get him a psychologist if necessary."
Liu told Titan Sports that he would be taking two "transformer" toys with him as a gift for Chinese NBA All-Star Yao Ming, who had arranged a doctor to look at the injury in Houston.
<i>Source: China Daily/Agencies</i>
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