Shanghai Mayor Yang Xiong met Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang, a Shanghai citizen, yesterday and presented him a certificate of merit on behalf of the municipal government.

Yang said he remembers vividly the moment Liu hit the finish of men’s 110m hurdle first at the Athens Olympics in 2004. Liu has inspired many young Chinese athletes since. The mayor said he was elated to see Liu’s victory on a TV live broadcast.

Yang spoke highly of Liu’s achievements in subsequent competitions, saying he made a breakthrough in the track event and set a milestone in the history of Chinese sports. “We feel pity for your retirement but we wish you success in turning a new page in your life,” he said.

Liu thanked Shanghai government for supporting him all these years. He said he was reluctant to leave the athletic field. Many setbacks made him more mature and he will pursue new goals in life.

Vice Mayor Zhao Wen was present at the meeting.