Surrounded by dignitaries from home and abroad, Liu Xiang stole the limelight in Tiananmen Square yesterday - and left many wondering who would have the glory of lighting the cauldron at the opening of the Beijing Games.
The Olympic and world 110 metre hurdles champion, arguably China's most celebrated gold medal hopeful come August, struck an uncharacteristic note of statesmanship in the highly symbolic torch-lighting ceremony.
Standing alongside President Hu Jintao and holding the torch high, Liu abandoned his usual mischievous smile and adopted a rare solemn look - at least briefly.
'I'm very pleased with his performance today,' said Liu Xuegen , the 24-year-old hurdler's father and spokesman.
'He rang me up soon after the ceremony. He ... said the occasion felt very special. He was not playing cool but really overwhelmed by the monumental sense of responsibility.'
But Liu's father confirmed reports that yesterday was the only opportunity his son would have to bask in the limelight of being a torch-bearer.