Liu Xiang

It is difficult to determine a single definition of a hero. One often thinks about a hero as someone who has done something really big in the world or his country. And yet, a hero usually begins as an ordinary person who does something extraordinary. By this definition, Liu Xiang, a Chinese track and field athlete, is a well rounded person who deserves to be a hero. Liu Xiang is a hero who strives for goals, is regarded as China’s great hope and is someone who shows courage when faced with problems. For these reasons, Liu is an individual deserving of recognition as a hero.

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In order to achieve success, heroes need to keep persevering. Liu is that kind of hero, one who strives for goals. When he was young, Liu was weak and thin. Before he started training, he was underestimated. But, he said, “Do not ever underestimate the heart of the champion.” He had already set out his goals at that time. Liu was determined to move toward his goals. He always works hard. Every morning, he is the first one to get to the gym and start training. At night, he is always the last to leave. In everything, he always keeps doing his best for everything no matter how tiny it is. He made great efforts to achieve his goals. Gradually, he made progress. Each little movement helped to him great successful. Liu strives for his goals and this has made him very successful.

break the world record (http://images.sports.cn/2006/07/12/0903108380.jpg)

Liu is regarded as China’s great hope and has become a hero in Chinese heart. Liu Xiang won the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens in the 110 metre hurdles event, equaling Colin Jackson's 1993 world record of 12.91 seconds. Liu became just the sixth man to post a time under 13 seconds for this event. His gold medal was the first in a men’s track and field event for China. Liu set a new world record in the 110 metre hurdle, at the Super Grand Prix in Lausanne on July 11, 2006, with a time of 12.88 seconds. He has set a good example for Chinese track and field athletes. His success proves that nothing is impossible; the Chinese can also be good at track and field. He has such great influence on the Chinese; so he should be regarded as a hero.

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Along with being China’s great hope, Liu also has a determined spirit and shows courage when faced with problems. In 2008, the Summer Olympics were held in Beijing. National expectations were for a repeat victory for Liu in his motherland. China hoped to get another gold medal from Liu. On August 18, eighty thousand people appeared in the Bird’s Nest stadium and wanted to see Liu be successful. Amazingly, when the race had just started, Liu walked off the track. Then he walked straight to the restroom with an extremely painful expression. He was injured! The crowd at the Bird’s Nest stadium turned to silence, confusion, and tears. After that, Liu was under a lot of pressure and there were many opinions and statements about him. He went through a rough period in that time. However, a hero cannot be beaten. Liu was determined and overcame the injury completely. He even came back at the end of 2009. He said: “I want a new start!” He used his spirit to beat the injury.

Liu is someone who lightens my hope. I have a dream, but sometimes my dream seems so impossible that I think it cannot be achieved. After suffering from several tries that have come to nothing, I lost heart and no longer lived with a dream. But Liu shows that nothing is impossible. He began as an ordinary person, but he went on to make his dreams come true. His success suggests that nothing is impossible, just do it. Liu is a hero who strives for goals, has given his country great hope, and shows courage when faced with problems. He is an ordinary person who has done extraordinary things. People always talk about heroes, but for me, Liu will be playing the role of hero in my heart forever.