Liu Xiang withdrew from the Olympic 110 metres hurdles race at the Beijing Olympics over an apparent injury in a massive blow for host China on Monday, the dpa reported.
Liu, 25, showed up for the race. He got out of the blocks in a false start and limped after taking just two strides. He then walked out of the stadium in front of a shocked crowd as the heat took place without him.
Liu's coach had hinted earlier that the national icon was plagued by an inflamed Achilles tendon and hamstring problems. Liu is China's most popular Olympic athlete. He won gold in 2004, was world champion in 2007 and held the world record 2006-2008.