Liu Xiang is under enormous pressure.
He is expected to deliver China's only gold-medal in the track and field event in the Beijing Olympics. He won at the Athens Games four years ago, and held the 110m hurdles record until Cuban athlete Dayron Robles broke that record by 0.01 seconds. The only thing they are stingy with is to give the kids a break - mentally.
Many people in China do not seem to realize that pressure in the form of talks work to only a certain extent and for certain people. Beyond that, adverse effects start to kick in. Kids are by nature rebellious, and too much pressure will only intensify their defiance.
Do not turn Liu into another loser. Do not make the terrible mistake of pressuring him till he buckles. Cheer him if he wins; comfort him if he loses. Whatever the result, he is our pride.
Liu xiang, although you have lost, in my opinion, you are always the best!