The Hindu : Sport / Athletics : Fans, media urged to leave Liu Xiang alone

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 14, 2006

Sport

Sport - Athletics

Fans, media urged to leave Liu Xiang alone

Beijing: Concerned by the renewed frenzy over Liu Xiang, who set a new world record in 110 meters hurdles, the Chinese media and fans have been urged not to ``disturb'' the star athlete, who is training for a repeat gold at the 2008 Olympics Games.

The appeal was issued by the deputy head coach of the Chinese athletics team, Yu Weili, who has complained the media frenzy in the country that followed his Athens victory left him feeling penned in and naked, will have to face a new round of heat wave.

``A new round of frenzy is inevitable,'' Yu said. ``Because of distractions, Liu rarely has good results in domestic competitions,'' he said.

``There will be social activities that Liu can't refuse to attend. We hope there will be as many less distractions as possible. The 2008 Olympics is his top priority,'' Xinhua news agency quoted him as saying. In races held in China, Liu is hounded by adoring fans and the media. — PTI

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