Liu Xiang

Liu Xiang dramatically dropped out of his 110 meters hurdle heat spelling the end of China's best hope for a track and field gold.

 

The 2004 Olympic gold medalist was the first Chinese athlete to achieve the "triple crown" of athletics (World Record Holder, World Champion and Olympic Champion).

Liu was carrying the nation's hopes and expectations of a repeat victory on home soil. China deemed another gold medal from Liu essential for a successful Olympics, but on August 18, Liu withdrew from the Olympic 110 meter hurdles. He hobbled off the track after a false start by another runner in his first-round heat, leaving the crowd at the Beijing National Stadium in stunned silence and tears.

All of China is relieved that their most famous athlete has made it through surgery on his injured right foot. Four pieces of bone were removed from his Achilles tendon. His rehabilitation will take some time and it is not known when he will able to resume competing.

Related: Liu's withdrawal caps rethinking of gold obsession