Liu Xiang makes history

China's Liu Xiang celebrates as he crosses the finish line to win the men's 110 metres hurdle final at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 27, 2004. [Reuters]

Terrence Trammel of the US, China's Liu Xiang and Cuba's Anier Garcia (L-R) pose on the podium during the medal ceremony of the men's 110 metres hurdle final at the Athens 2004 Olympic Games August 27, 2004. Liu took the Olympic men's 110 metres hurdles gold medal, equalling the world record time of 12.91 seconds and becoming the first Chinese man to win an Olympic track and field title.[Reuters]

China's Liu Xiang became the first Asian in history to win the men's 110m hurdles at the Olympic Games on Friday (Aug 27).

Liu, 21, last year's bronze medalist at world indoor and outdoor championships, clocked a world record-equaling time of 12.91 seconds for the gold.

He also broke the Olympic record of 12.95 seconds set by Allen Johnson of the United States in the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.

The winning margin is the biggest since the Seoul Olympics in 1988, where Roger Kingdom of the United States won with 12.98 to British Colin Jackson's silver medal performance of 13.28.

"I never expected that I can run inside 13 seconds, and I never expected that I could break the Olympic record," said Liu in tears. "I am very, very excited."

He added, "I was in a very good shape today. When I was in the blocks all I could think of was the sound of the gun. My race went wonderfully from the start until the end.

"It is an amazing experience being the Olympic champion. I want to thank my coach and my friends for all their help. I think today the Chinese people showed the world they can run as fast as anybody else.

"Still this feels like kind of a miracle. I didn't dare to think I would get a medal of any kind here," he said.

"He is a hero, he is the pride of the whole China," said Luo Chaoyi, president of the Chinese Athletics Administration, governing body of the country's track and field.

Terrence Trammell of the United States, silver medalist at both the Sydney Olympics and last year's world championships, won the silver in 13.18.

Defending champion Anier Garcia of Cuba took the bronze in 13.20.

Trammell said, "the race didn't go quite as planned, but that's hurdles. As far as my race went I did the best I could do and that was silver.

"I'm not disappointed. There's only two other people in the world who have a medal (from this race).

"I felt pretty good through the first part of the race. At number six my back leg dragged a little bit and I spent the rest of the race trying to get back up."

Garcia said, "I had a lot of injuries last year and had very little self confidence. This season went much better as I had more preparation, but I only competed three times. I am pleased with this result. I now have to look ahead for 2005 world championships."

The Cuban gave a lot of credit to Liu, saying, "He's very impressive just as he has been all season. He was in great shape today and there is a bright future ahead of him."

Editor: Donald