Stars

Big chill set to hit Liu on the comeback trail

By Lei Lei (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-12-29 09:10

Liu Xiang faces a tough winter as an intensive training camp started for the Chinese hurdles star at the weekend.

After recovering from an Achilles injury which kept him out of action for 13 months, Liu now will go through a tough training regimen; along with national teammates Shi Dongpeng, Ji Wei and Yin Jing.

"The winter training will be a key point for Liu and it will decide his fitness for next season," Liu's coach, Sun Haiping, told China Sports Daily.

"If he can lay a good foundation in winter training, then we expect him to compete at a high level next year. However, what is of prime importance right now is his fitness."

During the 2 1/2 months of winter training, Liu will hone his skills in certain aspects of the obstacle event; including starting and rhythm between hurdles.

"As Liu's Achilles tendon still needs some time to recover, that sort of intensive training will be scheduled for him in the latter half of training," Sun said.

The former Olympic and world champion has staged a strong comeback after the severe injury with three victories and a runners-up finish in the four events he has participated in over the past three months.

Liu's US doctor, Tom Clanton, who performed the surgery in Houston a year ago, said after his patient's latest check-up this month that the recovery was going well and the track star was capable of intensive training. After easily winning the East Asian Games in Hong Kong this month, Liu returned to his hometown of Shanghai for some remedial work on the injury and training.

"Doctor Clanton said there was a little swelling in his Achilles tendon when he checked the previous time but it's much better now," said Sun. "We will see how it will stand up during winter training."

The camp will be an important preparatory stage of Liu's build up for his 2010 comeback campaign.

His first challenge will be the IAAF World Indoor Championships, which will be held in Doha from March 12-14. At that meet, he will get the opportunity to run against his arch rival, Dayron Robles of Cuba, who is also recovering from an injury. Liu won the World Indoor event in 2008.

According to Sun, most of Liu's races next year will be in Asia. They will include grand prix events in Osaka, Japan, Daegu, South Korea, and Shanghai. In September he will take part in the Continental Cup in Croatia and will also compete at the Asian Games in Guangzhou, southern China, in December.

More than 100 Chinese athletes in seven sports will be involved in winter training camps in Shanghai and Beijing.