Sad Moment

I'm not 100% sure of what that bolded statement means, but I would venture to say the hype around him in Beijing was not at all self-created. His country put A LOT of pressure on him to perform well.

My Devil's Advocate comment means I'm not sure I believe what I'm saying, but I'm trying to offer up that maybe we shouldn't be sad, but we should be asking if this guy deserved the adoration of all the Chinese when he's put up goose eggs at the last two olympics.  He even has a countryman who qualified with a better time for the Olympics and qualified for the next round. 

I've been annoyed at the athletes our media has headlined throughout the games because they pick the good looking ones over the best ones (Lolo, Gwen Jorgensen, Hope Solo who is good, but not the reason her team is in the finals) and ignored the fact that there are athletes that deserve more attention.

I guess we think Liu can't just walk-away from the track and all the pressure because he's Chinese, but don't you think every athlete out there is under just as-much pressure that they've placed on themselves?

I joked to my wife last night that the Hurdles are like the balance beam of Track and Field.  One wobble and even the best go down and you can't help but look stupid.  It's like the hurdles were designed to do that.

Is it sad? Yes, the whole situation is sad.  But will I be sad for him? No.  He's still rich, it's just the hurdles, and it happens to the best of them.

Wow, harsh.  No compassion?

I really don't care WHO it was.  Just the situation.  I guess I would like to believe that dispite getting hurt, felt compelled to "finish" the race and respect the race.

Yeah, but I guess I could be the cynic and say it was just an act to cover up failing... 

Undergoing surgery for "fractured tendon" by same surgeon that operated on Beckham.

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2012-08/08/c_131770930.htm

I hear you, his injury is legit.  Blown Achilles will make it impossible to walk too.  But if he's having surgery from that Dr does it prove my point that he's made mad money on his image thus far and therefore, he'll be fine?

He's a great athlete, but worthy of his notoriety? I'm not so sure.

Start your own thread to talk about that then.  NOWHWERE in my OP did I bring up the subject making money or his hype...  Nice Hijack.

So, no sympathy for the guy losing his olympic dream and having a career ending injury (and still "finished" the race) because he made some money and got some fame?  Wow.

I don't think that it's fair to say he'll be fine just because he's made a lot of money -- unless he was in  it solely for the money. Or, are you looking at is as though he will never be able to work again, but he seems to have a nice safety net and won't struggle to survive? Money doesn't buy happiness, and if running is what made him happy (even the pressure that went along with it was intense) or if getting his redemption at these Games was the one thing constantly on his mind over the past four years, then he may not be OK. It's a tough thing for anyone to deal with emotionally.

He became so well-known because he was the first Chinese athlete to medal (win a gold medal?) in a track and field event. Pretty big deal for the country. 

Sorry Kido for hijaking your thread. 

I'll stop.  It is a sad story.