Gold tally would shine with athletics and soccer

Friends and relatives called me over last few days to ask if I believed China could still leapfrog the US to again top the gold tally.

Actually, I don't care about China's gold count. At all.

What concerns me most are two events - athletics and soccer.

Some Chinese journalists and TV commentators were weeping when Liu Xiang fell and pulled out of the 110m hurdles heat.

I was sad but not too emotional, because I don't adore Liu individually.

Rather, I felt depressed because I love the sport in which he competes, which is still undeveloped in the world's most populous nation.

I was disappointed when Chinese media, fans and officials followed Liu's every move after his injury.

Media surrounded the gate of the Wellington Hospital where Liu underwent surgery. Some even trumpeted that Liu will compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

So what if he returns?

After the Beijing Olympic Games, where China topped the tally for the first time with 51 gold, the State General Administration of Sports - the top governing body of all sports in China - said China has yet to develop into a sports powerhouse like the United States.

They did notice China failed to deliver anything worth celebrating in two of the world's most popular events - athletics and soccer.

After Liu withdrew at the starting line in Beijing in 2008, the host only grabbed two bronze in athletics.

Unfortunately, the situation was similar four years later, when China discovered Liu was still its only hope.

If not for Chen Ding's surprising men's 20km race walk gold, Chinese track and field would have again gone home empty-handed.

If we only focus on Liu, I expect a repeat of the track and field situation.

Some followers responded positively when I tweeted my idea on my Chinese micro blog.

The governing body should also realize actions speak louder than words. If we can't elevate our track and field performances, it'll be difficult to present China as a sports powerhouse.

The problem is even worse with soccer, especially when compared to rising neighbors Japan and Korea.

Some media friends couldn't understand why I missed some Chinese athletes' competitions to watch the men's soccer semifinal between Japan and Mexico in Wembley Stadium.

A Japanese journalist was especially surprised when he heard I'd come to support Japan.

Japan and South Korea made it to fourth place in men's soccer, while the Japanese women's team won silver, losing to the US in the final.

Chinese soccer needs to learn from its neighbors.

Yes, there were sweet moments when China dominated table tennis and badminton.

But to me, that's like an Olympic snack. Only a feast of athletics and soccer will satisfy me.

Contact the writer at chenxiangfeng@chinadaily.com.cn.

(China Daily 08/13/2012 page11)