Two of China’s most recognizable sports stars are ready to share the limelight at the Beijing Olympics. Liu Xiang won Gold in Athens for the 110m hurdles and is the world record holder in the event with 12.88 seconds while Yao Ming is the 7foot 6 inch NBZ basketballer from the Houston Rockets who was the flag bearer for the Chinese at the Athens games.

Yao has been out with injury but is expected to be a part of the Chinese Olympic team while Liu has two high level races in the US as part of his systematic training.