China's famous hurdler Liu Xiang crashed at the first barrier in the 110m hurdles heats.

It was the second time Liu failed in the first round at Olympic Games. On August 18, 2008, Liu withdrew from the Olympic 110m hurdles event in Beijing. He walked off the track after a false start by another runner in his first-round heat, leaving the crowd at the Beijing National Stadium in stunned silence, confusion and tears.

Born in July 1983 in Shanghai, Liu Xiang started high-jump training in 1993. In 2004, his Olympic gold medal has been the first in men's track and field event for China, or for any Asian countries. He is also the first Chinese athlete to achieve the "triple crown" of athletics: World Record Holder, World Champion and Olympic Champion.