Ath: Face of the Games forced out through injury

AAP General News (Australia)
08-18-2008
Ath: Face of the Games forced out through injury

China's Olympics have suffered a huge setback .. with hometown hero LIU XIANG pulling
out of his 110 metres hurdles heat .. injured.

The defending champion appeared to hurt his right hamstring again during warm-ups for
his heat at the National Stadium today.

LIU limped to the start line and took three steps in a false start .. before tearing
the number off his leg and walking into the athletes' tunnel.

It's a massive blow for Games organisers .. who scheduled the 100m hurdles over four
days to maximise LIU'S appearances before the adoring home crowd.

AAP sl/nh/jmt

KEYWORD: OLY08 ATH LIU (BEIJING)

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