Liu Xiang (born July 13, 1983 in Shanghai, China) is a hurdling athlete. In 2002, Liu launched his career in fine style by winning the first IAAF Grand Prix in Lausanne with a world youth and Asian record time of 13.12 seconds in the 110 metres hurdles. Still young, Liu has improved steadily, and won a gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in the 110 meters hurdles event. In the final, he equaled the world record of 12.91 seconds held since 1993 by Colin Jackson of Wales. This is the first time an athlete of non-African descent has dipped under 13 seconds for the 110 meter hurdles.
