http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/players/liu_xiang/88629 Recent articles about Liu Xiang en-us After announcing its presence to the world via the blue- or black-clad left shoulder of Kerri Walsh Jennings in Beijing in 2008, kinesio tape has been back with a vengeance for the London Olympics. The athletic tape -- which has been around for decades but has come into vogue within the past few years -- supposedly helps athletes deal with pain and injuries. But scientists and medical personnel are skeptical about the actual effects of the multicolored tape, likening the "benefits" to more of a placebo effect. This particular taping method was supposedly designed by Japanese chiropractor and acupuncturist Kenzo... Sat, 11 Aug 2012 13:30:42 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/trey_hardee_jen_kessy_liu_xiang_among_olympic_athletes_wearing_kinesio_tape_photos/11432509 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/trey_hardee_jen_kessy_liu_xiang_among_olympic_athletes_wearing_kinesio_tape_photos/11432509 Trey Hardee, Jen Kessy, Liu Xiang Among Olympic Athletes Wearing Kinesio Tape (Photos) http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/trey_hardee_jen_kessy_liu_xiang_among_olympic_athletes_wearing_kinesio_tape_photos/11432509 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will require an operation on his right Achilles tendon. The 2004 Olympic champion was injured Tuesday during the 110-meter hurdle heats at the London Olympics. Liu's representative, Jos Hermens, said Wednesday that the operation would likely take place in England. Chinese team leader Feng Shuyong said the initial assessment of Liu's injury was a ruptured Achilles tendon. One day after Liu's injury, Aries Merritt of the United States won the gold medal. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 23:10:04 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_requires_operation_after_fall/11411398 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_requires_operation_after_fall/11411398 Liu requires operation after fall http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/liu_requires_operation_after_fall/11411398 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/e/1ed172282c6b0cb00a818f23df0e6aac5550a7c4/mini/2009_Shanghai_Golden_6725.jpg Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will require an operation on his right Achilles tendon. The 2004 Olympic champion was injured Tuesday during the 110-meter hurdle heats at the London Olympics. Liu's representative, Jos Hermens, said Wednesday that the operation would likely take place in England. Chinese team leader Feng Shuyong said the initial assessment of Liu's injury was a ruptured Achilles tendon. One day after Liu's injury, Aries Merritt of the United States won the gold medal. Wed, 08 Aug 2012 19:15:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_will_require_operation_after_olympic_fall/11410123 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_will_require_operation_after_olympic_fall/11410123 Liu will require operation after Olympic fall http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/liu_will_require_operation_after_olympic_fall/11410123 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/e/1ed172282c6b0cb00a818f23df0e6aac5550a7c4/mini/2009_Shanghai_Golden_6725.jpg Seven steps, five more than in Beijing. But the outcome was identical: Liu Xiang's Olympics were over, yet again, before they really began. The magic ingredient that makes the games such compelling drama isn't the stadiums or the crowds. It is their rarity. Once every four years - a gap long enough to make or break athletes. Peak and attain perfection at just the right time and their names will live in Olympic history books forever. Make the slightest mistake or get hurt when that Olympic window opens once every four years and they might never get another chance to make it right. The opportunities for redemption are so few. For some athletes, they never come. That rarity is what makes Olympic success so sweet, Olympic failure so bitter and it is why we and why athletes, for as long as they can, keep coming back for more. Liu - the hurdler as famous and loved by Chinese as David Beckham is in England and Michael Jordan in the United States - tasted the sweetness once and, now, the bitterness twice. Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:57:16 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/column_chinas_liu_epitomizes_olympic_bitterness/11399443 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/column_chinas_liu_epitomizes_olympic_bitterness/11399443 Column: China's Liu epitomizes Olympic bitterness http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/column_chinas_liu_epitomizes_olympic_bitterness/11399443 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/9/f919981d2d3b07b1257a6e29e26f44b3209b87bd/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f81237966.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1932908F02533C04FFE6D585477C40EBA12.jpg They watched, anguished, and they cried and commiserated -- on social media, on the streets of the Chinese capital and, in the case of one anchor, even on state television. Many Chinese following the Olympics at home called hurdler Liu Xiang their hero after the former world-record holder and 2004 Olympic champion crashed into the first hurdle during his first heat of the 110-meter hurdles on Tuesday. But, for a country that often equates its athletic heroes with a stouthearted national pride, Liu's quick falter in London was a blow that hit home. ''I have to admit, I cried at that moment,'' microblogger Little Actor Zhou Xuanqi wrote. ''I wish he could recover soon.'' On China's Central Television, commentator Yang Jian cried out when Liu fell during the live broadcast. ''He is ending the London Games in the cruelest way you can imagine,'' said Yang, who began to choke up. ''Liu Xiang is a warrior,'' Yang said. Liu came to London w Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:47:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash/11402326 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash/11402326 China sheds tears over Liu's crash http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash/11402326 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png They watched, anguished, and they cried and commiserated - on social media, on the streets of the Chinese capital and, in the case of one anchor, even on state television. Many Chinese following the Olympics at home called hurdler Liu Xiang their hero after the former world-record holder and 2004 Olympic champion crashed into the first hurdle during his first heat of the 110-meter hurdles on Tuesday. But, for a country that often equates its athletic heroes with a stouthearted national pride, Liu's quick falter in London was a blow that hit home. ''I have to admit, I cried at that moment,'' microblogger Little Actor Zhou Xuanqi wrote. ''I wish he could recover soon.'' On China's Central Television, commentator Yang Jian cried out when Liu fell during the live broadcast. ''He is ending the London Games in the cruelest way you can imagine,'' said Yang, who began to choke up. ''Liu Xiang is a warrior,'' Yang said. Liu came to London un Tue, 07 Aug 2012 11:50:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash_into_1st_hurdle/11397217 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash_into_1st_hurdle/11397217 China sheds tears over Liu's crash into 1st hurdle http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/china_sheds_tears_over_lius_crash_into_1st_hurdle/11397217 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Former world-record holder and 2004 Olympic champion Liu Xiang of China stumbled into the first hurdle and fell to the track in his opening heat of the London Games on Tuesday. It was his second consecutive first-round exit in the 110-meter hurdles. Four years ago in Beijing, his Olympics ended after two full strides, when he withdrew from his preliminary heat with right foot and hamstring injuries, disappointing his country of more than 1 billion people. This time, Liu made it only as far as the initial hurdle, knocking it down. He clutched his lower right leg and stayed down for a few moments. He eventually rose and hopped on his left foot along the outside of the race route until he got to the finish line. Tue, 07 Aug 2012 06:05:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/chinas_liu_out_again_in_110_hurdles/11394988 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/chinas_liu_out_again_in_110_hurdles/11394988 China's Liu out again in 110 hurdles http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/chinas_liu_out_again_in_110_hurdles/11394988 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Olympic 110-meter hurdles champion Liu Xiang of China says he will race at the London Diamond League meeting two weeks before the Olympics. Liu won gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens. He pulled out of the 2008 Beijing Games because of an injury, but is the early favorite for the London Games that begin July 27. Liu says the Aviva London Grand Prix on July 13 will be a ''great opportunity to experience the conditions and atmosphere of the Olympic host city.'' He says he's hoping for a ''very strong performance'' at the meet to complete his preparations for a ''second Olympic gold medal.'' Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:02:57 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_xiang_to_race_at_london_meet_before_olympics/11101118 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_xiang_to_race_at_london_meet_before_olympics/11101118 Liu Xiang to race at London meet before Olympics http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/liu_xiang_to_race_at_london_meet_before_olympics/11101118 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Liu Xiang lunged across the finish line and quickly looked up to his left at the giant scoreboard. Then, he impatiently waited. A split second later -- only it felt like an eternity -- the board flashed Liu's time in big, white characters: 12.87 seconds. That sent the 110-meter hurdler from China straight into euphoria as he thrust his fist into the air before dancing and skipping around the track with unbridled exuberance. Sure, there was the excitement from holding off a star-studded field to get the win at the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday. But there also was that glittering time on the scoreboard. Maybe at first he thought he had tied the world record, but it turned out to be wind-aided by a slight margin. So the world mark set by Cuba's Dayron Robles remains safe for now. Long after the race was over -- and after Liu did a celebratory lap around the track to high-five anyone with an extended hand -- he was asked if he ever thought about breaking world records. "No. I never think abo Sun, 03 Jun 2012 01:05:13 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_dominates_hurdles_at_classic/10928786 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_dominates_hurdles_at_classic/10928786 Liu dominates hurdles at Classic http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/liu_dominates_hurdles_at_classic/10928786 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/5/95ee80a20f38e1dc58cfb9e38606794891c98fc5/mini/A_Day_In_e611.jpg Liu Xiang defeated world champion Jason Richardson to win the men's 110-meter hurdles at the rain-soaked Shanghai Diamond League meet on Saturday. Jamaican runners topped their American rivals in the sprints. Asafa Powell held off Michael Rodgers to win the 100 meters, while Veronica Campbell-Brown beat Carmelita Jeter in the women's 200. Liu and Richardson were even through the first seven hurdles before the Chinese star pulled away to win in 12.97 seconds, ripping off his shirt after crossing the finish line to a huge cheer from the crowd. American David Oliver finished second in 13.13 and countryman Richardson was third in 13.16. ''Tonight, I executed very well,'' Liu said. ''I hope that I can keep my momentum, keep my form and pay attention to the details during the training so that I can perform well in the future.'' It was the first time Liu and Richardson met in a race since last year's world championships in Daegu, South Korea, where Liu tangled with Cu Sat, 19 May 2012 12:28:40 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_wins_110m_hurdles_in_shanghai_diamond_league/10828352 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/liu_wins_110m_hurdles_in_shanghai_diamond_league/10828352 Liu wins 110m hurdles in Shanghai Diamond League http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/liu_wins_110m_hurdles_in_shanghai_diamond_league/10828352 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/f/9/f919981d2d3b07b1257a6e29e26f44b3209b87bd/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f81237966.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1932908F02533C04FFE6D585477C40EBA12.jpg Liu Xiang's hurdles rematch with Jason Richardson is the most anticipated race of the Shanghai Diamond League meet on Saturday. Dayron Robles won the 110-meter hurdles at the world championships in Daegu, South Korea, last August, but was disqualified after Liu appealed. Robles smacked Liu's hands over the last hurdles. Richardson was promoted to the gold medal, and Liu received the silver. Liu, the 2004 Olympic gold medalist and last year's champion in Shanghai, is coming off a victory in his first outdoor race of the season in Japan two weeks ago. The hurdles field also includes Americans David Oliver, the 2008 Olympic bronze medalist; Terrence Trammell, a two-time Olympic silver medalist; and Aries Merritt, who defeated Liu in March to win the world indoor 60-meter hurdles. Robles, the 2008 Olympic champion, wasn't entered. Liu joked that the incident in Daegu made his friendly relationship with Robles ''even better.'' He added that a healthy rivalry was important to th Fri, 18 May 2012 10:13:52 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/rematch_for_liu_and_richardson_in_shanghai/10820699 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/rematch_for_liu_and_richardson_in_shanghai/10820699 Rematch for Liu and Richardson in Shanghai http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/rematch_for_liu_and_richardson_in_shanghai/10820699 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/0/9/09d2cecd54c816addafa89ba3ddfba9f86f08ca5/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f76446749.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d17A4AD9FDB9CF1939E5C724467C9D99BC4C412FEC32C41CE.jpg Chinese star Liu Xiang stepped up his Olympic preparations by winning the 110-meter hurdles in rain and wind Sunday at the Seiko Golden Grand Prix meet. Allyson Felix of the U.S. won the women's 100 meters in 11.22. She beat Melissa Breen of Australia by 0.16 seconds. Chisato Fukushima of Japan was third in 11.39. Liu, the 2004 Olympic champion and 2007 world champion, finished in 13.09 seconds in his first outdoor race of the year. He was 0.24 seconds ahead of Omo Osaghae of the U.S. Another American, Ronald Brookins, was third in 13.69. ''Considering there was some wind and rain today I am satisfied with the time,'' Liu said. ''This was my first outdoor race of the season, so it was a good result.'' Looking toward the London Games, he added: ''There are a lot of strong rivals so you just have to concentrate on your own conditioning and training.'' Liu's victory follows a flawless 60-meter hurdles final of 7.41 seconds at the Birmingham Grand Prix Sun, 06 May 2012 12:21:01 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/chinas_liu_xiang_wins_110_hurdles_in_japan/10729940 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/chinas_liu_xiang_wins_110_hurdles_in_japan/10729940 China's Liu Xiang wins 110 hurdles in Japan http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/chinas_liu_xiang_wins_110_hurdles_in_japan/10729940 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/2/6/26cff38597a76c2b0bf397c06d1a14db5598e4eb/mini/2009_Shanghai_Golden_4fb1.jpg Two-time Olympic champion Yelena Isinbayeva broke her indoor pole vault world record at the XL Galan meet Thursday, and Dayron Robles won the 60-meter hurdles after Liu Xiang was disqualified for a false start. Isinbayeva cleared 16 feet, 5¼ on her second attempt at Globe Arena, topping her mark of 16-4¾ set in 2009 at Donetsk, Ukraine. "This was the real comeback," she said. "This happened because of my dear coach who made me realize that this is my level." Holly Bleasdale of Britain was second and Yarisley Silva of Cuba third, both clearing 15-5¾. Isinbayeva hasn't won at a major championship since successfully defending her Olympic gold medal in Beijing four years ago. She failed to make the podium at the world championships in South Korea, finishing sixth. At the 2009 worlds in Berlin, the Russian failed to win a third consecutive gold after a final in which she failed to clear a single height. Isinbayeva said she didn't know if this record performance signaled a retur Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:55:43 -0500 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/isinbayeva_sets_pole_vault_record/10094797 http://network.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/article_external/isinbayeva_sets_pole_vault_record/10094797 Isinbayeva sets pole vault record http://www.yardbarker.com/track_and_field/articles/isinbayeva_sets_pole_vault_record/10094797 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/1/4/14671b10500e6209ade4084b15393be3104c4b0b/mini/GettyImageProxy.ashx_requestUrl_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f89873218.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0F63E32F5FE0359B52CEA45318B07BDE810D074AEEA111B4D.jpg