The status of Liu Xiang at the National Games had grown to epic proportions ahead of Sunday night's race. The focus of everyone on the Olympic champions. And as Jonas Gilbart reports, Liu the athlete seemed to become Liu the rockstar.

Olympic gold medalist Liu Xiang (C) from Shanghai jubilates while Ji Wei(L) of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) team and Shi Dongpeng from Hebei watch on the podium after the men's 110m hurdles of athletics at the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 25, 2009. [Xinhua]

 

Impact of Liu Xiang at the National Games

For the first time since the opening ceremonies, the Jinan Olympic Stadium would be packed. Seemingly, everyone there to see one man....

Spectator said, "He is a sports icon."

Spectator said, "Liu Xiang represents China to the world."

Spectator said, "I just like him."

The excitement of the fans, perhaps only matched by the fervor of the media at these national games. The access passes to the post race area, in hot demand. As early as three hours before the race, they were staking out their spots. And at his warm up session, a paparazzi-like moment ensued.

Yang Jian has followed Liu's career from the beginning, and calls the circus surrounding Liu crazy. He dubs it "The Return of the King".