Liu set for six months out after surgery

China’s Liu Xiang is expected to return to the track in May after undergoing successful surgery on an Achilles injury in Houston, Texas.

The 2004 Olympic 110-metres hurdles champion, who carried the hopes of the nation in Beijing in August before limping away from the start line with the injury, is set to make a speedy recovery from the operation, which was carried out by Thomas Clanton, the doctor who treated basketball star Yao Ming prior to the Games.

Liu’s coach Sun Haiping believes the 25-year-old could be jogging by the end of January, but stressed the rehabilitation “is as important as the surgery” in the recovery process.

“The surgery is the first step and he still needs a careful recovery plan,” Sun was reported saying in the China Daily.

“Liu has been a professional sportsman for a long time, so his physical condition is very good, which will make his rehabilitation faster than for normal people.

“Liu will have a good rest and then walk with crutches. After the Spring Festival (January 26), he may go jogging.”