After experiencing a downturn period in Beijing Olympic Games, the national athletics squad of China won one gold medal, one silver medal and four bronze medals at London Olympic Games, making the best results of historical record. Now, Chinese athletics squad is making a positive preparation for the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.
Expectations for Liu Xiang not as high as before
Liu had been expected to win a medal even a gold medal in the men's 110m hurdles at the London Olympics. Unfortunately, Liu got injured in the race and quitted the game.
Currently, Liu is recovering from the operation in the United States. The wound on his Achilles' tendon has healed but the muscle of his legs is atrophying. Assistant coach of Chinese Athletics Association Sun Haiping disclosed that Liu is unable to enter a race in the short term and he even will not take part in the World Athletics Championships in August and the National Games.
No one in China can win a medal in the men's 110m hurdles except Liu. Sun said frankly that it really was not easy to find a player like Liu. The head coach of the national athletics squad Feng Shuyong also said that China will not have another Liu.
Race walking event gradually plays as a key role
China did not win a medal in race walking competition at Beijing Olympic Games but won one gold medal and three bronze medals at London Olympic Games.
An official of Chinese Athletics Association said that race walking event has the collective advantage and will take on an important mission in the next Olympic Games, with such outstanding players as Chen Ding, Wang Zhen, Liu Hong and Qieyang Shijie being the most hopeful to win a medal even a gold medal.
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