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China's fastest woman sprinter Li Xuemei, who clocked a fabulous time of 10.79 seconds in the 100 meters four years ago, has pulled out from the 100 meters due to leg injury today in the opening day track and field competition at the Universiade.
Li's no-show triggered out some whispers from the press. A lot of people are asking why the odds-on favorite withdrew from her specialty and what's the story behind the sudden change?
Shang Xiutang, vice president of the Chinese Athletics Association, told Xinhua that Li pulled out just because of injury, nothing more, nothing less.
"Li feels her leg injury is bothering her. She just wants to run 200 meters instead," Shang said.
"According to the rules of the University Games, an athlete is free to change her registered events before the competition starts. Li wanted to focus on the longer sprint event and save her strength for the relay."
Shang also said that Li, the Asian record holder in the 100 meters, will run the 4x100m relay.
After chalking up her personal best time of 10.79, the world second best in 1997, Li suffered from a nagging leg injury in the past four years.
She didn't compete in the World Atheltics Championships early this month in Edmonton where China came back with empty hands.
Two Chinese competed in the women's 100m heats today. Zeng Xiujun, whose personal best is 11.38, led her group in 11.47, while her compatriot Chen Yueqin sailed into the semifinals in 11. 62.
The fastest semifinalist is Abiodun Oyepitan of Britain, who clocked 11.47 in style.
The track and field competition started today with a toal of 45 gold medals up for grab.
(People's Daily 08/28/2001)
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