Liu Xiang (hurdler)
He shattered a barrier for Chinese athletics, winning the nation's first men's Olympic track and field gold with a blistering world-record run.
Born 1983 (age 43)·Chinese hurdler·Birthday: July 13·Millennials
Biography
Liu Xiang emerged from Shanghai as a prodigy in the 110-meter hurdles, a discipline where Asia had never claimed Olympic glory. His career was a masterclass in explosive speed and technical precision, culminating at the 2004 Athens Games. There, he tied the world record to seize gold, a victory that electrified China and announced its arrival as a power in global track and field. For years, he carried immense national expectation, battling injuries with heartbreaking public setbacks at the Beijing and London Olympics. Despite a career cut short by persistent physical woes, Liu's legacy is that of a trailblazer who fundamentally changed how China viewed its potential in the world's most foundational sports.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Liu was born in 1983, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Liu Was Born
The biggest hits of 1983
#1 Movie
Return of the Jedi
Best Picture
Terms of Endearment
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Liu's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1983Born
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
1988Started school
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
1996Became a teenager
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
1999Could drive
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2001Could vote
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2004Turned 21
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2013Turned 30
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2023Turned 40
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 43 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the 110m hurdles gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics, China's first men's Olympic gold in athletics.
- Became a world champion by winning the 110m hurdles at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka.
- Tied the 110m hurdles world record (12.91 seconds) with his gold-medal run at the 2004 Olympics.
- Broke the 110m hurdles world record in 2006, clocking 12.88 seconds at the Super Grand Prix in Lausanne.
Did You Know?
He was initially trained as a high jumper before his coach noticed his exceptional speed and suggested he switch to hurdles.
His 2004 Olympic victory was celebrated with a gold medal postage stamp issued in China bearing his image.
He is the only male athlete to have achieved the 'triple crown' of 110m hurdles: Olympic champion, world champion, and world record holder.
“I want to prove to the world that Asians can run very fast.”
