Liu Xiang, hurdler

   2010 earning:  12.7 million yuan  (US$1.93 million)

Liu Xiang, a Chinese 110-meter hurdler, is one of the most renowned track men around Asia and the world. He is an Olympic gold medalist and the winner of the World Championships, and has emerged as a national icon.

In May 2001, he won at the East Asian Games in Japan, and then won at the World University Games in August. In addition, his 2004 Olympic gold medal is the first and only gold in men's track and field for China. He is also the first Chinese athlete to achieve the "triple crown" of athletics: world record holder, world and Olympic champion.