Liu Xiang (spelling?)

I had this in my blog...

Liu Xiang, the Chinese 110m hurdler and defending gold medalist, DNS at the start line due to injury.  In a way I felt relief for him, as he's got the highest pressure to get gold from the country among other athletes.  If he doesn't win, he would be called "the shame".  But some people on the 'net are already calling him the shame. 

By the way, you've got the right spelling. 

I probably feel the same as you, hence my comment about being a "blessing in disguise." I felt kind of guilty that I felt that way about it. However, if he were to not win gold, I would have felt even worse for him . I can't imagine being under that kind of pressure....

Since China wanted the gold so badly, and no other hurdler besides Liu is capable of getting one, I don't think they would want some one to take his place and not getting into the top 3.  It's all about "face", remember?   

And besides, it is even allowed to substitute?  It's an individual race, not a relay. 

I don't know - suspect not - I'm just saying I'd prefer if the next best athlete from the country could step in. 

I was watching the replay of him getting ready for his heat on NBC.   Man! was he in pain...The whole heal area where the tendon attaches was on fire.....

Gutsy that he gave it a go.  Rest and heal up Liu,  see ya next year at the World Championships.

Archilles tendonitis.  They think it'll take him 6 months of rest to heal, and another 6 months to re-establish his strength, meaning at least a year with no race.