After a successful Olympic campaign, it is no surprise to see Shanghai hurdling sensation Liu Xiang and the world's top 10,000m female runner, Xing Huina, being recognized as the best Chinese athletes for 2004.

The pair, who both took gold in Athens, were bestowed the honor by the Chinese Athletic Association earlier this week.

And fittingly, their coaches - Sun Haiping and Wang Dexian - were recognized as the best in their field for 2004.

Athens success, combined with a string of wins throughout 2004, was more than enough for Liu to capture his second-straight title.

But only Liu was able to attend the ceremony as Xing, who clocked the second best time in the world for 2004 with her Olympic run, was back in training elsewhere in China.

(Liu Xiang)

(Xing Huina)

"I'm very happy to have been able to defend the honor," said Liu, who equaled the world record of 12.91sec at Athens.

A confident Liu, 22, has just completed his winter training in Beijing.

"I'm feeling very good," he said.

"I'm very happy that I am able to continue improving. There will be no problem for me to win again at the 2008 Games in Beijing."

According to coach Sun, Liu's technique is improving, which will help him achieve quicker times.

"At the moment, he is running at the level he attained at the Athens Olympics, if not better," Sun said.

As part of Liu's packed schedule, he will take part in all of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) Golden League meets in 2005, as well as the World Championships.

And it is something the national hero is anxiously waiting for.

"It's possible that I may be able to share in the prize money on offer, but competing regularly against the world's best throughout this year is much important than the results, except when it comes to the World Championships," said Liu.

Time recognized

At Wednesday's (Jan 19) ceremony, Liu was also bestowed a certificate by the IAAF to recognize his world record-equaling Olympic time.

"Liu has drawn the world's attention to China's track and field exploits," said Lou Dapeng, vice-president of IAAF.

"I hope China's athletes can use this to their advantage, to work for better results in track and field internationally."

Another Chinese leading the way forward is 18-year-old hammer thrower Zhang Wenxiu, who was given a certificate on Wednesday (Jan 19) for her junior world record throw in April.

She threw 72.37m during an event in Nanning.

Editor: Guang