Liu Xiang is a retired Chinese hurdler, born on July 13, 1983, in Shanghai. He is best known for winning the gold medal in the 110-meter hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, making him the first Chinese man to win an Olympic gold medal in track and field. Liu set a world record of 12.88 seconds in 2006, showcasing his exceptional talent and speed. Throughout his career, Liu faced several injuries that affected his performance, particularly during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he had to withdraw from the competition. Despite these challenges, he remains a celebrated figure in Chinese sports and an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.