Another blow for star hurdler
Mainland star hurdler Liu Xiang has suffered another setback by failing to make it onto the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission, a hall of fame for sportsmen and women around the world.
Liu, who pulled out of the 110 metres hurdles competition on Monday, was edged out by four sporting greats, including Russian swimmer Alexander Popov and Cuban volleyball player Yumilka Ruiz Luaces, in a commission ballot in Beijing held between August 5 and Wednesday.
Liu, 25, the gold medallist in his event at the 2004 Athens Olympics, ranked eighth among the 29 candidates, with 1,386 votes.
Hong Kong table tennis player Li Ching and Australian swimmer Grant Hackett were among other nominees competing for membership of the star-studded committee.
The commission, a link between active athletes and the IOC, comprises active and retired athletes and is charged with furthering the needs of sportsmen and women.