(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-02-29 15:11

RALEIGH, North Carolina - They are rivals, both seeking gold at the Beijing Olympics, but American hurdler Allen Johnson and China's top athletics hope Liu Xiang are also friends.

Liu Xiang of China (L) and Allen Johnson of the U.S compete in the 110 meters hurdles during the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix athletics meet in this September 23, 2006 file photo. The two will renew their friendship at the world indoor championships in Valencia, Spain from March 7-9. Both will compete in the 60 meters hurdles.

"When I see him run well, I am genuinely happy for him, and I feel like when I run well, he is happy for me," Johnson, the 1996 Olympic gold medalist and seven-times indoor and outdoor world champion, told Reuters.

"We both respect and admire one another," Johnson said of the Chinese world record holder and 2004 Olympic champion whom he first met in 2001.

The language barrier prevents anything more than limited conversations, but there are other ways expressing their respect, Johnson, a three-times Olympian, said.

"There have been a couple of times I have been in races (with him) when I didn't run so well," the 37-year-old American said.

"He kind of patted me on the back like it was going to be all right. Don't worry about it. It was just one race.

"Even though those weren't the words that he said, that was the body language," Johnson said.

The two will renew their friendship at the world indoor championships in Valencia, Spain from March 7-9. Both will compete in the 60 meters hurdles.

Johnson finished second to countryman David Oliver in the U.S. championships last weekend.

Johnson believes Liu is the man to beat at the Olympics.

"I guess you have to go with the defending world champion, the home favorite," Johnson said.

"He is very good. He doesn't make a lot of mistakes. He is very consistent ... If you aren't ready, he is going to whup you.

"I couldn't imagine what he goes through. I think he has handled it well so far, but Beijing is going to be totally different. I can only imagine all the people will be pulling him in a million different directions."