IAAF, the world athletics governing body, has ratified the men's
110m hurdles
world record of 12.88 seconds set by China's Liu Xiang.
The Olympic gold medalist set a new world record in Lausanne
last month with a time of 12.88 seconds, beating the record he
previously held together with Britain's Colin Jackson.
The new world record holder has confirmed that he will captain
the Chinese team for the four-nation athletics showdown in
Birmingham, Great Britain, featuring China, Britain, Russian and
the US on August 19 and 20.?
Two-times world champion Colin Jackson believes the
international match in Birmingham will provide a fantastic
opportunity for athletes and spectators alike to see for themselves
the strength in depth of the Chinese team.
"I think it's great to see the Chinese athletes over in the UK
as it's only on very rare occasions that you actually see them
compete abroad. You don't see them on the circuit often but whoever
they bring over here, there is no doubt they'll be great runners,"
commented Jackson.
"Xiang ran incredibly well in the race in Lausanne – it was a
phenomenal performance and it will be really interesting to see how
he runs over in the UK. We'd like to see athletes like Xiang
competing much more and the Norwich Union International in
Birmingham is an ideal opportunity. In fact in will be great for
the world to see the whole Chinese team and witness what they can
produce."
The Shanghai athlete will provide tough competition for the
opposition, led by US Champs bronze medalist Ryan Wilson and
Nottingham's Andy Turner, who won Commonwealth bronze earlier this
year.
(CRI August 4, 2006)