For the last couple of years, the stories surrounding Chinese hurdling superstar Liu Xiang have focussed on his health and his recovery from an injured achilles tendon. But, it is starting to look like those health questions may be a thing of the past. After a busy start to his year, Liu is feeling healthy and looking relaxed.

After four races in 48 hours, and then three training sessions in 24 hours, Liu Xiang finally seems to be back to the life he knew before his injury, which is - competition after training, and training after competition.

Liu Xiang, Former Olympic Champion, said, "I think it's fine. It's just what training is like, and it's what being an athlete is like. I'm not tired. It's ok when it turns into a habit. I will feel uneasy if I don't work out. It's actually my job. I have gotten used to it."

With his injury issues seemingly behind him, Liu is free to focus on his form. Liu's coach, confirming that they no longer choose their meets based on his health.

Sun Haiping, Liu Xiang's Coach, said, "From now on, we can participate in any competition we want to. Not like in the period since 2008 when we had a long time to consider his attendance in a competition, whether it was doable or not. "

Liu Xiang, Former Olympic Champion, said, "I don't have much - any problems with my body right now. I am very healthy. "

Sun Haiping, Liu Xiang's Coach, said, "The situation this year, with Liu Xiang's foot condition for example, looking to the past, if his foot was the same as last winter, we wouldn't have been to this year's Germany races."

In the first final Liu ran in Germany...he and eventual winner Petr Svoboda were step for step...but also arm to arm all the way to the finish. The two racers, coming very close to impeding each other...but Liu says this, is simply racing.

Liu Xiang, Former Olympic Champion, said, "They use the right leg to hurdle, and I use my left. For me it's best if the guy to my left is a left-foot hurdler, and I'd rather not see a right-foot hurdler to my left, because they I will lean to the right.

Their arm may hit me - but it's ok. And eh, nothing else, we are all well, if such a thing happens in a race, if I'm hit...so I'm hit, and we will see who is steadier.

I have experienced this with lane neighbors before. What's important is who has steadier center of gravity and stronger trunk power. I'm good. I'm not easy to beat."

After a busy couple of weeks, Liu Xiang has returned to China, catching the end of the Spring Festival with his family. Liu says he has no immediate goals in mind...and is ready for whatever lies ahead.

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