Liu's shoes prove golden in auction
A pair of gold-color shoes signed by 110m hurdles star Liu Xiang fetched 150,000 yuan ($18,750) at a charity auction in Wuxi, East China's Jiangsu Province, on Sunday.
"I did not expect to auction the shoes for such a high price. But I do not care too much about the money. The significance of the charity auction is to show how people are willing to help those in need," said the world record holder, who jokingly described himself as "more like a salesman".
Liu and his coach Sun Haiping donated the money to China Sports Foundation, which supports retired athletes. The auction was aimed at increasing public support for athletes.
"I hope people will pay closer attention to our athletes and their life after retirement."
Liu's shoes are a hot item in the country's auction houses.
The pair he wore to win his historic Olympic gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games were auctioned for $1.2 million in 2005. The money was donated to a local children's charity.
Liu has also decided to auction his "world-record-breaking" shoes in the near future, he revealed without specifying a date.
"Those shoes and shirts are more valuable when they are donated than when they are displayed in my home. My father also supports my decision and there is no reason to hesitate," he said.
Liu smashed the world record with a time of 12.88 seconds at a Super Grand Prix Meeting in Lausanne last year. Profits from the auction will be used to help people living in Shanghai's Putuo Distict, where Liu grew up and began his athletics career.
"I am so grateful that people helped me a lot in my childhood. In return, I want to help the people in need in my hometown."
Liu said he regrets that he did not keep the shirt he wore during the Lausanne meeting, as the auction would raise even more money.
China Daily
(China Daily 01/23/2007 page22)
