Worry over media frenzy for China's Liu

0 Comments | AFP, July, 2006

BEIJING (AFP) — Chinese officials have expressed concern that the media furore surrounding world record hurdler Liu Xiang could harm his career.

They quoted athletics official Yu Weili as calling for more privacy for Liu, who set a new world record in the 110 meter hurdles with a time of 12.88 seconds in Lausanne on Tuesday.

"Liu Xiang cannot escape the fans and the continuous media coverage," Yu, the deputy head coach of China's track and field team, told Xinhua news agency.

He predicted that "a new wave of Liu frenzy would sweep across China," threatening to affect his training.

Liu was anointed the "Chinese Beckham" after he became the country's first male athlete to win an Olympic sprint gold, tying Colin Jackson's world-best mark of 12.91...