Liu Xiang joins Yao Ming as ambassador
By Alfred Romann and Lu Jiawei (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-09-27 06:06

SHANGHAI: Shanghai's fastest son, Olympic gold medallist and Grand Prix champion Liu Xiang, yesterday joined the city's tallest export as Shanghai's newest ambassador.

The 22-year-old hurdler joined basketball star and fellow Shanghai-native Yao Ming as the city's image representative at a grand ceremony.

NBA star Yao Ming (R) and Athens Olympic gold medalist Liu Xiang pose for a photo after being named Shanghai image representatives September 26, 2005.[newsphoto]

City officials said yesterday the appointment would raise the profile of the city, as the two image ambassadors will promote its logo and generate a buzz around city-related events. One example was Yao's presence at a run over the Lupu Bridge in 2003 to publicize the fight against SARS.

Yao was named Shanghai's first ambassador two years ago. Yesterday, Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng extended the NBA star's tenure for two more years.

"I want to live up to the title," said Yao before praising Liu's accomplishments. "I saw him win the gold medal in the Olympics, he brought to life the sporting spirit of achievement."

Liu, who will initially represent the city for two years, rose to fame after winning a gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics in the 110-metre hurdles. Since then both his career and public profile have taken off.

Yesterday he said his latest accolade was unexpected.

"It is quite a surprise," said Liu. "It doesn't create more pressure but more responsibility."

In the last few weeks, Liu has added more gold medals to his growing collection. On September 17, he beat four-time world champion Allen Johnson of the United States during the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix. Then, on September 19, he raced to a first-place finish at the Seiko Super Track and Field 2005 in Japan.

Yao, the tallest player in the United States' National Basketball Association, became Shanghai's first image ambassador after signing with the Houston Rockets. His career has been the subject of close scrutiny but he wrote off his accomplishments yesterday as just a beginning.

"The Yao era has yet to start," said the 25-year-old 7 ` 6" star.

In March, both Liu and Yao were named in Forbes China Celebrity List. The magazine named Yao the most popular - and financially viable - celebrity.

Liu came in at No 3 after his Athens victory gave him a popularity and marketability boost.

In May, Liu joined Yao to become the 2005 Laureus World Newcomer of the Year, the same award Yao won in 2003. The award is given by the Laureus Sports Academy, a jury of 40 of the world's greatest athletes.

(China Daily 09/27/2005 page1)