Liu Xiang crashed into the first barrier and subsequently failed to qualify for the semifinals of the 110m hurdles at London Olympic Games on August 7.

Despite the ignominious manner of his exit from the event, national hero Liu hopped down the track to complete the race and on finishing kissed the final barrier. He then hopped away from the scene, after receiving the acclaim of the crowd for his touching bravery and spirit. Despite his bravery, I felt so sad that a national hero said goodbye to these Olympics in such a fashion.

The incident has ignited online discussion. When I turned on my computer, I read comments from netizens, ranging from the outright abusive to messages of doubt regarding his abrupt departure from the event. One online vote about the reason for Liu's exit, 90 percent thought that he deliberately exited the race. However, whatever the truth of the matter, Liu should be regarded as a winner for even making the start line in London, following his travails at the Beijing Olympics. Many lesser athletes would not have recovered from what Liu went through back in 2008.

After analyzing the race, we can see that Liu slowed on his seventh stride, which resulted in him hitting the first hurdle. Whether he knew deep down that he couldn't win, or whether he simply misjudged his stride pattern, he overcame a far sterner mental barrier with his very appearance at the Games. In addition, with his return at the 2010 Asian Games to his impressive wind-assisted 12.87 at the 2012 IAAF Diamond League in Eugene, Liu has proved beyond doubt that he is a great athlete. He is the first Chinese athlete to hold athletics' "triple crown" of world title, Olympic title and world record. Such an athlete has no reason to fall on purpose. He is a winner, with a winner's mentality.

Liu is a symbol of the time in which China came to prominence on the track. His trailblazing, world-class efforts led to a greater sense of confidence among a generation of Chinese track and field athletes. It could be, though, that as a result of the injury he sustained after hitting that fateful first barrier, Liu may retire from athletics. Whether or not this happens, the nation should thank Liu for the wonderful memories he has given us and for his contribution to Chinese sport. We should also support and respect whatever decisions he makes in the coming days and weeks. The Internet gives us a platform on which to express our views and make our voices heard, but we should not let a violent herd mentality push out the voices of reason. We have to treat our hero rationally and tolerantly. We should wish Liu all the best for the future, because even if his athletics career is behind him, his life is just beginning.

(This article was first published in Chinese and translated by Lu Na.)

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