China's top hurdler Liu Xiang told CCTV Monday evening that he feels "deeply sorry" that he was forced to leave the Olympic games. An old tendon injury came back to haunt the hurdler and deny his Olympic dream to win back gold. But he vows he will be back.

China's top hurdler Liu Xiang told CCTV Monday evening that he  feels "deeply sorry" that he was forced to leave the Olympic games.

Liu, the world and Olympic champion, pulled out of the 110m hurdles qualifying heats after aggravating a tendon injury in his right foot. His exit from the games dashes China's greatest hope of winning gold in Olympic track.

Liu Xiang said "So many people have worried about me and have been so caring. I feel sorry. I could do nothing but withdraw from the competition. I didn't feel right when I was warming up before the race. I knew my foot would fail me. It was painful when I was just jogging. Two weeks ago, I ran a 12.90-something. I don't know why things turned out the way they did. I wanted to hang on. But I couldn't. It was unbearable. If I had finished the race, I would have risked permanent injury. I can't describe my feeling at that moment. I know I have the ability -- after my foot recovers. I was in good form otherwise. I don't want to say any more. I will recover someday. The big thing for me right now is to take care of my foot. I will have my chances in the future. After all, I'm at the top of my form. I will stay optimistic. I won't blame others. I will cheer myself up. I am not that type of person. I never quit easily. I will show them that I still can."

Chinese vice president expresses sympathy to Liu Xiang

Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping telegraphed the General Administration of Sport on Monday to express concern and sympathy for track star Liu Xiang, who pulled out of the men's 110-meter hurdles in a first-round heat with a foot injury at the Beijing Olympic Games.

Chinese state leaders were very concerned with the Shanghai native's injury, and hoped the gold medalist at the 2004 Athens Olympics would get timely treatment and recover soon, said Xi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee.

He expressed warm regards and encouragement to Liu and his coach Sun Haiping in the telegraph, which he sent soon after learning the news of Liu's withdrawal at the National Stadium.

"We all understand that Liu quit the race due to injury," Xi said. "We hope he will relax and focus on recovery. We hope that after he recovers, he will continue to train hard and struggle harder for the national glory."

Liu and his coach were greatly moved when they learnt the content of the telegraph from the top officials of the General Administration of Sport. They thanked the state leaders for their concern and encouragement.

The 25-year-old, one of the biggest sporting stars in the country, said he would actively cooperate with the doctors and try to return for future events as soon as possible.