Liu Xiang, the current Olympic 110m hurdles champion and darling of Chinese sport, pulls up with an Achilles injury during his warm-up for the heatsPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianThe 25-year-old attempts to start the race, but it is declared a false start. Moments later, Liu limps from the track with his head hung lowPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianTears of sadness from Liu's legion of fans in the Bird's Nest stadiumPhotograph: Dan Chung/Guardian
Liu's coach, Sun Haiping, tries to explain the nature of the injury to the mediaPhotograph: Dan Chung/GuardianSun breaks down in tears as years of hard work come to nothingPhotograph: Dan Chung/Guardian
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