BEIJING - Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang's legs have been insured for US$13.3 million (euro9 million) in the run-up to next year's Beijing Summer Olympics.

To him, though, the limbs are beyond valuation.

"You can't really put a concrete figure on this," Liu was quoted as saying by the Beijing News newspaper.

"They're priceless," Liu said.

Liu won the 110-meter hurdles at the 2004 Athens Olympics, set a new world record of 12.88 seconds last year, and in August won gold at the World Athletics Championships.

Liu is one of the country's most celebrated sports stars, prompting Ping An of China insurance to donate coverage for his legs as part of its sponsorship of the Chinese athletics team.

Liu's race at the Beijing Games is expected to be one of the most watched events at the games.