(August 19)

(The author, host of Phoenix TV)

Gold medals have dropped into China's basket one by one, and Chinese confidence in sports was expanding until yesterday when Liu Xiang dramatically withdrew from the 110m hurdles, which may give us some cool water.

For those who believe sports are adding glory to the country or leader, Liu Xiang quitting will give them a shock. But, his withdrawal shows the athlete is first an individual, then, an athlete.

The writer, Shi Tiesheng, talked to Carl Lewis, the winner of the men's 100m at the Los Angeles Olympics in 1984. Shi said "God will never give 'the most happiness' to one person, and he sets forever distance to people's lust, and gives limitation to everyone fairly."

Yes, those who don't understand that will forever be slaves to glory or wealth.

In 1981, CCTV commentator Song Shixiong screamed out "Struggle" after the women's volleyball team won.

But what is struggle? Suffering life? Obviously, it is not the merit of sport.

Ye Qiaobo, the successful Chinese speed skater, won the first winter Olympic medal for China in 1992. Before fighting for her last medal, she fractured her knee. She could even hear the bone crushing when she skated.

Ye Qiaobo sits at the wheel chair.[Sohu.com]

Ye waved good bye and ended her sports career in 1994.

Gao Min, nicknamed the "Diving Queen", was one of the most dominating divers in history. She was almost blind, her right arm was paralyzed, and she even contemplated suicide due to the pressure in her sports life.

After winning the gold medal at the Barcelona Games in 1992, she retired.

In an interview this year, Gao said she envied Liu Xiang competing in these times, as she can also learn from Liu's optimistic smile under pressure.

Gao Min [Sohu.com]

Luckily, Liu Xiang has not had such a rocky road as Ye Qiaobo and Gao Min physically, in the pursuit of gold.

An old Chinese saying goes, "Bear the moment calmly, the sea and sky are boundless to return one step at a time". Good health and life are more important than the Olympics and gold medals.

http://hedongblog.blog.sohu.com/97584482.html