Chinese track star Liu Xiang, who at 23 already owns the 110m hurdles world record and Olympic title, intends to remain a force in his sport into his 30s, state media reported on Monday.

"I've already decided that the 2008 Beijing Olympics won't be the end for me. I also want to compete in the 2012 London Olympics and keep running past the age of 30," Liu told the Beijing News.

"I want to prove to myself that I'm not just a flash in the pan."

Liu is a national hero through his emerging dominance of the high hurdles and is a hot favourite to bring China glory on its home soil when Beijing hosts the 2008 Olympics.

Liu won Olympic gold in 2004 in Athens, becoming the first male Chinese competitor to win a track and field gold medal and set the world record of 12.88 seconds in the event earlier this year.

However, Chinese athletics officials expressed concern recently that a domestic media frenzy surrounding Liu and the weight of Olympic expectations could prove too much for him and derail his career.

But Liu, who signalled a changing of the guard in 2004 when he beat his former idol, the American hurdling great Allen Johnson, said he has the focus to equal Johnson's longevity as well.

"Even after reaching 35, Johnson's achievements have been very good. I can't fall short of that. I want to prove to everyone that besides surpassing him (on the track), when it comes to longevity, I also can keep running past 30," Liu said. "I've already proven that I'm on a par with American and European athletes. Now I want to strive to compete in two more Olympic Games. I've matured," he said.

(China Daily via AFP December 29, 2006)