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Star athlete's dad takes the spotlight
By Liang Yiwen |
January 11, 2009, Sunday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
Chinese star hurdler Liu Xiang's father, Liu Xuegen, has appeared with his son in a TV commercial for one of the star athlete's major sponsors, the drinks company Coca Cola.
It is the acting debut of Liu Xuegen, a retired water factory driver, who has rejected several advertisement offers in the past linking him to his famous son.
But he accepted this time because the advertisement depicted the reality of Liu's circumstances surrounding his breakdown at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Liu Xiang limped off the track at the Bird's Nest on August 18 without running at the Beijing event, leaving millions of fans disappointed. An Achilles tendon injury forced him out of his run and sidelined him from competition to undergo treatment.
While many fans were heartbroken by his withdrawal from the 110 meter hurdles, Liu himself was even more depressed and driven to tears by missing the long-anticipated event in his homeland.
The Coca Cola advertisement shows Liu being encouraged during the setback by his dad and hints at the strong relationship between father and son.
Liu Xuegen has given wholehearted support to his beloved son's sports career for many years.
He first sent Liu Xiang to receive sports training while he was in grade two at primary school. His persistent support helped to realize his son's ambitions to be a star hurdler.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Liu Xiang's family wanted the athlete to quit sports training when he was 15-years-old to devote more time to study.
It was at this time that Liu's coach Sun Haiping visited the gifted teenager's home to try to change the family's mind. But Liu Xiang's mother and grandparents insisted that the boy spend more time studying so he could attend a good university instead of becoming an athlete.
Sun then talked with Liu's father about his son's rare gift. The dad then made the final and important decision for his son, despite his own desire for the boy to go to university and possibly study for a Phd.
Liu Xiang continues to receive rehabilitative treatment under the watchful eye of his mother in the United States after having surgery on his right Achilles tendon in December.
Though staying in Shanghai, father Liu Xuegen continues to act as a spiritual prop for his son. He talks with the athlete every day by phone, offering advice and support.
Liu Xuegen spoke to the Shanghai Daily about the family's experience in the aftermath of his son's breakdown at the Games and his post-surgery progress in treatment in the United States.
Q: How is Liu Xiang now after his surgery?
A: He is recovering very well, much better than his coach Sun Haiping expected, and has surprised the US doctors with his progress. Walking sticks are no longer needed and he will soon start jogging in water. The doctors expect him to have recovered enough to return in April.
Q: You seemed relaxed about sending your son and wife away to America for treatment last month. Was this just an act to comfort your son?
A: My heart was heavy with worry as well as high hopes. I was not sure whether the surgery would help his athletic career. But I am now relieved by his quick recovery and my concerns seem unwarranted.
Q: Liu's mother is now taking care of him in America. How do you support your son from so far away?
A: We talk on the phone every day. He has also sent me lots of cell phone messages of the kind that boys are too shy to say to your face. He just sent me a message saying that he would become stronger and stronger, and it had three exclamation marks.
Q: You were watching the Beijing Olympic Games on television as were millions of others. When did you first see your son after the injury forced him to quit the Games?
A: He sent me a massage about an hour and a half later saying that he was OK. I went to visit him the next morning and he was lying on a bed being treated by coaches and doctors. After seeing me, he lowered his head and we didn't say anything for two hours.
Q: What did you feel at that time?
A: I was worried about his injuries but I was heartbroken to see his facial expression. He was so depressed and in low spirits. Disappointment filled his eyes.
Q: But he always appears to be very optimistic in public. Did you teach him to be strong and positive?
A: He has always been strong and optimistic but he also needs to release his feelings. He seldom conceals his emotions in front of family members and friends.
Q: What do you do when he is sad and crying?
A: He will be fine after a cry. He needs a way to release his feelings, after all.
Q: If Liu Xiang was not a hurdling champion, what would you like him to be?
A: We share the belief that those who sustain the heart and mind of ordinary people live more happily. If you think you are very important and special, you will have lots of pressure and worry.
Q: If he is going to take part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, what role will you play and how will you support and encourage him?
A: I'm glad his confidence has been greatly improved by the recovery. I have great confidence in him and we will give him our wholehearted support. I will urge him to be careful and improve communication with his coaches. He still has a promising future if he keeps on moving forward step by step with the heart of an ordinary person.
It is the acting debut of Liu Xuegen, a retired water factory driver, who has rejected several advertisement offers in the past linking him to his famous son.
But he accepted this time because the advertisement depicted the reality of Liu's circumstances surrounding his breakdown at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Liu Xiang limped off the track at the Bird's Nest on August 18 without running at the Beijing event, leaving millions of fans disappointed. An Achilles tendon injury forced him out of his run and sidelined him from competition to undergo treatment.
While many fans were heartbroken by his withdrawal from the 110 meter hurdles, Liu himself was even more depressed and driven to tears by missing the long-anticipated event in his homeland.
The Coca Cola advertisement shows Liu being encouraged during the setback by his dad and hints at the strong relationship between father and son.
Liu Xuegen has given wholehearted support to his beloved son's sports career for many years.
He first sent Liu Xiang to receive sports training while he was in grade two at primary school. His persistent support helped to realize his son's ambitions to be a star hurdler.
But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Liu Xiang's family wanted the athlete to quit sports training when he was 15-years-old to devote more time to study.
It was at this time that Liu's coach Sun Haiping visited the gifted teenager's home to try to change the family's mind. But Liu Xiang's mother and grandparents insisted that the boy spend more time studying so he could attend a good university instead of becoming an athlete.
Sun then talked with Liu's father about his son's rare gift. The dad then made the final and important decision for his son, despite his own desire for the boy to go to university and possibly study for a Phd.
Liu Xiang continues to receive rehabilitative treatment under the watchful eye of his mother in the United States after having surgery on his right Achilles tendon in December.
Though staying in Shanghai, father Liu Xuegen continues to act as a spiritual prop for his son. He talks with the athlete every day by phone, offering advice and support.
Liu Xuegen spoke to the Shanghai Daily about the family's experience in the aftermath of his son's breakdown at the Games and his post-surgery progress in treatment in the United States.
Q: How is Liu Xiang now after his surgery?
A: He is recovering very well, much better than his coach Sun Haiping expected, and has surprised the US doctors with his progress. Walking sticks are no longer needed and he will soon start jogging in water. The doctors expect him to have recovered enough to return in April.
Q: You seemed relaxed about sending your son and wife away to America for treatment last month. Was this just an act to comfort your son?
A: My heart was heavy with worry as well as high hopes. I was not sure whether the surgery would help his athletic career. But I am now relieved by his quick recovery and my concerns seem unwarranted.
Q: Liu's mother is now taking care of him in America. How do you support your son from so far away?
A: We talk on the phone every day. He has also sent me lots of cell phone messages of the kind that boys are too shy to say to your face. He just sent me a message saying that he would become stronger and stronger, and it had three exclamation marks.
Q: You were watching the Beijing Olympic Games on television as were millions of others. When did you first see your son after the injury forced him to quit the Games?
A: He sent me a massage about an hour and a half later saying that he was OK. I went to visit him the next morning and he was lying on a bed being treated by coaches and doctors. After seeing me, he lowered his head and we didn't say anything for two hours.
Q: What did you feel at that time?
A: I was worried about his injuries but I was heartbroken to see his facial expression. He was so depressed and in low spirits. Disappointment filled his eyes.
Q: But he always appears to be very optimistic in public. Did you teach him to be strong and positive?
A: He has always been strong and optimistic but he also needs to release his feelings. He seldom conceals his emotions in front of family members and friends.
Q: What do you do when he is sad and crying?
A: He will be fine after a cry. He needs a way to release his feelings, after all.
Q: If Liu Xiang was not a hurdling champion, what would you like him to be?
A: We share the belief that those who sustain the heart and mind of ordinary people live more happily. If you think you are very important and special, you will have lots of pressure and worry.
Q: If he is going to take part in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, what role will you play and how will you support and encourage him?
A: I'm glad his confidence has been greatly improved by the recovery. I have great confidence in him and we will give him our wholehearted support. I will urge him to be careful and improve communication with his coaches. He still has a promising future if he keeps on moving forward step by step with the heart of an ordinary person.
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