While conspiracy theorists spin up claims like Liu Xiang is bought by betting agencies, most people’s hearts go wholeheartedly to him. Commercials featuring Liu Xiang shifted gear from the full on cheer campaign to another kind of 加油 to give Liu Xiang moral support.
Why is Liu Xiang such a huge deal to us? (I love this guy!!!) Well, not only because of his winning performance, but also his personality. He is a rare find for Chinese man who is supremely confident but has the goods to back it up and never cocky. Hope to see that side of him soon.
7 Responses to “Reaction to Liu Xiang’s Withdrawal”
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About this blog
Hi, I am Jenny Zhu from ChinesePod.com. I bring you a slice of the Chinese language and culture in the daily podcast. But there is so much more than what a podcast has time for, so jennyzhu.com is a space of observation and reflection on the big, small and everything in between about China.
maxiewawa
August 19th, 2008 at 7:41 pm
Jenny老师, it should be “withdrawal” not “withdraw”. You’ve taught me so many Chinese words, it’s nice to return the favour!
James
August 19th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Liu Xiang is a champion, period– he was injured and he couldn’t race, that’s all. But he should always gain respect, and his gold medal in 2004 should still the spark that inspires other Chinese track-and-field champions.
I’m an amateur runner and I worked (and ran) in Germany last year, and the Germans and the French– who were the runners at the gym I ran at– all universally knew of and praised Liu Xiang. “Liu Xiang ist unglaublich der Weltmeister” as the Germans always said– Liu Xiang 是冠军。 He still is.
Besides, perspective is important!
Liu Xiang’s race was just one medal, and China has 41 gold medals in these Olympics– utterly crushing the USA, who has just 25. Unfortunately, a lot of my fellow Americans (and even some of the British and Canadians in the gym I exercise at– shame on them!) are utterly racist, hate the Chinese and think Chinese (and Asians) just can’t be very good at athletics, but the fact that China is humiliating us so much, utterly disproves this. China is truly dominating these Olympics. So the Chinese should be very proud of their accomplishments in basically leading the world.
Jenny Zhu
August 19th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
maxiewawa,
Thank you for pointing it out! I’ve corrected it. Credits to you.
James,
Your post is a powerful illustration of humanity, which is what makes the Olympics truly great. It made me think of how people from different countries are in awe of Michael Phelps transcending nationalities.
Si Yao
August 20th, 2008 at 1:59 am
Interesting comments re: attitudes toward Chinese Olympics achievements from the Western world. From a Chinese-American view, not surprising as racism toward Asians here in the U.S. is never that far from sight or earshot. The Chinese Exclusion Act existed since the mid 1880’s to mid-20th century. Cruelly and stereotypically depicted in cartoons and movies, Chinese and other Asians have had to struggle for dignity and equality despite the label of being a “model minority”. I used to root for the U.S., now I am rooting for China! After watching Beijing’s transformation to Olympic proportions, we are incredibly proud to see China sit atop the world stage. It is the land of my ancestors and family; there is nothing more powerful than feeling tied to one’s roots once discovered. However, to be fair, America is also great despite it’s checkered past with regard to race relations. Attaining equality and respect is a national political obsession at times. I live in an area where Asians, Latins, African Americans, Caucasians mingle and live together. We do tend to co-exist with the help of civil rights laws and in the best of circumstances, mutual respect and friendship. Nationalism can be a double edged sword, I feel; better to find a balance between pride of country and respect for all people. Sorry to have blabbed so much, cheers to all…
Jenny, great work at CPod as always! I understood most of your video dialog recently. My Chinese continues to improve, finally began to study reading/writing over the summer, can deal with about 150 characters. I feel like a 7 or 8 year old kid in school, practicing words over and over… zhen tou teng!
Jia you!
Si Yao
Jenny Zhu
August 20th, 2008 at 10:16 am
Si Yao,
It’s about harmony, isn’t it? Thank you for your continued support. And congratulations on your achievement! Keep it up!
Jing@syd
August 20th, 2008 at 8:12 pm
Hi Jenny, out of the blues i was looking at your facebook and discovered how well you doing in shanghai! good on ya! i just finish reading/watching all ur entries and some of the comments. Its really really great~ i love what you are doing now, and also learnt quite abit from it. Keep in touch, i will constantly check out your great stuff. Cheers. Jing
Jenny Zhu
August 21st, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Hi Jing,
It’s you!! Miss ya loads! Thank you for the support! What are you doing now? Still in Sydney? I’m coming over for Shirley’s wedding in November. Hope to see you then!