Career of 2004 Olympic gold medalist clouded by persistent injuries to his Achilles tendon

Despite a setback-plagued career hampered by injury, former Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang, who is reportedly ready to retire on Tuesday, remains a groundbreaking figure for Chinese sports.

"Sooner or later, I have to say goodbye to everybody. I think that I am supposed to retire now as I've tried all the best to come back," Liu was quoted by Shanghai-based Xinmin Evening News as saying on Friday.