Source: Xinhua

08-18-2008 15:54

Special Report:   2008 Beijing Olympic Games

BEIJING, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- After Liu Xiang limped off a men's 110m hurdles heat Monday morning, Team China lauded him a "real man" who kept fighting despite huge pressure and an abrupt recurrence of tendon injury.

China's Liu Xiang reacts prior to the first round competition of men's 110m hurdles at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. The defending champion Liu Xiang dropped out after getting injury. (Xinhua/Li Gang)
China's Liu Xiang reacts prior to the first round competition of men's 
110m hurdles at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, 
during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. 
The defending champion Liu Xiang dropped out after getting injury. 
(Xinhua/Li Gang)

The Olympic defending champion pulled out of the first round heat shortly after the seven competitors were called back by the start referee for a false start by Dutchman Marcel van der Westen.