Posted: May 17, 2005

Athletics: Olympic hurdles star Liu Xiang set for Reebok Grand Prix

NEW YORK CITY (May 17) – Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang, whose historic victory in Athens has transformed him into a megastar as his nation prepares to host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, will compete at the Reebok Grand Prix on June 11, organizers announced today. Liu will run the 110-meter hurdles, at which he tied the world record when he ran 12.91 to win the 2004 Olympic gold medal. The event will be part of Liu’s first tour of competition in the United States, and his only scheduled appearance on the East Coast.

The Reebok Grand Prix will be the first international competition ever held in the new Icahn Stadium on Randall’s Island, and marks the return of world-class outdoor track and field to the East Coast. Tickets, at $30 and $20, are now on sale. Group discounts are available.

Liu, also a two-time World Indoor Championships medalist and bronze medalist at the 2003 World Outdoor Championships, went into Athens as one of the favorites during a spectacular 2004 season in which nine races brought him eight victories and one photo-finish second. Since becoming the first male track-and-field athlete to win an Olympic gold medal for China, the 21-year-old from Shanghai has become a sensation, soaring from 90th place in 2004 to 3rd this year on the Forbes “2005 Chinese Top Celebrities” list. In March, he was honored as Laureus China Sportsman of the Year, and yesterday was named 2005 Laureus World Newcomer of the Year in sport’s equivalent of the Oscars.

The Reebok Grand Prix on June 11 is the fifth stop of USA Track & Field’s Visa Championship Series, and will be televised live on NBC from 4-5:30 p.m. ET. Icahn Stadium, a $42 million facility on Randall’s Island featuring a 400-meter Mondo track and covered seating for spectators, is the premier outdoor track-and-field venue in New York City. Icahn Stadium, built by the Randall's Island Sports Foundation (RISF) in partnership with New York City Department of Parks and Recreation, celebrated its Grand Opening in April. The facility is programmed, operated and maintained by RISF. Information and tickets for the Reebok Grand Prix are available at www.ReebokGrandPrix.com or by calling 1-877-RBK-GP05.