Liu Xiang, 28 Birth place: Shanghai Highlights: 2004 Athens Olympic 110m hurdles champion, 2007 IAAF World Championships 110m hurdles title, 2008 IAAF World Indoor Championships 60m hurdles title. Liu is one of China's most successful athletes and is a track and field icon. His 2004 Olympic gold medal was the first in a men's track and field event for China. He withdrew from the event at the last moment due to injury on his home track in 2008, but is favored to win another gold in London.