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World champion Liu Xiang was honored as one of the top sports figures in Beijing on Wednesday despite his early withdrawal from the 110m hurdles at the Beijing Olympics.
Liu was among the 157 athletes from 25 sports who won the 2008 national sports decoration, announced the State General Administration of Sports, China's sport governing body.
Liu's withdrawal from the Beijing Games in August stunned the whole country which had been full of hope for his successful defense for the title.
The reigning world champion and Athens Olympic champion limped out of the capacity Bird's Nest national stadium on August 18 when his right foot injury prevented him from clearing even a single hurdle.
The scene filled many on spot with tears and sent a shockwave to the hopeful nation which eventually topped the gold medals tally with 51 golds.
Liu disappeared from public sight for a while after the Games before he underwent surgery in the United States in December.
Liu's coach Sun Haiping, also awarded for his work along with another 128 coaches Wednesday, was optimistic about Liu's recovery.
"His rehabilitation is on the right track," Sun once said after the surgery.
The administration gave out the awards during its annual meeting.
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