BEIJING - Chinese Olympic hurdler Liu Xiang's legs have been insured for US$13.3 million in the run-up to next year's Beijing Summer Olympics. To him, though, the limbs are beyond valuation. "You can't really put a concrete figure on this," Liu was quoted as saying by the Beijing News newspaper. "They're priceless," Liu said. Liu won the 110-metre hurdles at the 200 Athens Olympics, set a new world record of 12.88 seconds last year, and in August won gold at the World Athletics Championships. Liu is one of the country's most celebrated sports stars, prompting Ping An of China insurance to donate coverage for his legs as part of its sponsorship of the Chinese athletics team. Liu's race at the Beijing Games is expected to be one of the most watched events at the games.

Source: cnews

What is the world coming to? He is right, you can't put a value on something as priceless as World Champion caliber hurdler legs...since they are worth absolutely nothing when it comes to monetary value. Way to go, this is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of. If he is lucky though, something will happen to them, because I doubt hurdlers make that much money, that is just what common sense tells me, I could be wrong.

Lemme guess? Lloyd's of London?

well from your post one might think that you are a nobody that doesn't have any great goals set ahead of him and therefore you don't really know what kind of sacrifices the guy had to go through to get to the point he is now. I would be pissed if i was a kick ass world class runner and a couple days before the Olympics i broke (or someone broke) my legs, leaving me on ice. That money is compensation as the guy has the potential to win a lot of gold medals.

I'll insure my middle foot finger. The smell is just legendary!

I heard Jennifer Lopez had her butt insured. not sure how true that is lol =P

Haha, I didn't know my thinking this is stupid had anything to do with my goals in life? Way to pull that one out of thin air, by all means, if you just want to bash me for no reason go ahead. Anyways, in that bolded part, you just described the whole Nancy Karegan and Tonya Harding situation, haha. Did you mean to do that, or is that just random? It is funny, because Tanya really did "ice" Nancy, hahah! I bet she wishes her legs were insured back then. I am sorry, but gold medals do not equal the equivalent of 13 million US, no matter how many you win that is just ludicrous. Now yen on the other hand...

What is ludicrous that you don't see where the money comes from for these people. Besides if you don't want to/can't appreciate all the work that the athlete has done throughout his/her whole career, and yes more than you probably will ever do, than i somehow can't seem to not bash you for being a prick. What ticks me off is when people like you,that never really achieved anything that would go out to the world, decide to blast those who did achieve things. What right do you have to say anything bad about this guy? Your own lack of sense of achievement?

Now clearly you just have a problem with me or something, for whatever reason, because all you want to do is bash me no matter what. So you can continue to do so, I don't care, but don't derail a thread because you have a bone to pick. Also, considering you have no idea who I am, or what I have done, let's stop with all these assumptions about my character and life achievements, or clearly according to you, lack there of. Why don't you go do "accomplish" something instead of sitting on your computer, desperately trying to antagonize someone you have never met, don't know, and don't have a clue about...clearly your life is somewhat lacking with regards to what you are talking about, or else you wouldn't be wasting your time with a "goalless", "loser" like me. BTW, I never trashed the guy, I trashed the idea of his legs being insured for more than the GDP of most 3rd world countries. Clearly you are trying too hard.  It would appear to me that some of your own insecurities are seeping out your psyche into this thread, perhaps it is your lack of achievement that is really bothering you?  I feel absolutely great about what I have done in my life so far, no complaints from me, my friends, or my family.

i'm genuinely surprise how people think $13.3 mln is outrageous. that seems kind of reasonable, actually. plus, $13.3 mln comes to just about 100 mln in Yuan, so it's a nice figure for the insurance company that's also a sponsor. but how much is he really worth?

http://community.travelchinaguide.com/forum2.asp?i=41138

"His success brought him immediate fame and a great fortune. According to a recent report released by China's brand evaluation authority, the commercial value of Liu Xiang's golden medal reached RMB 461 million. The commercial income comes mainly from three channels: spokesmen, advertising and media. So his golden medal is the most valuable. The commercial value of his golden medal far exceeds that of other golden medal winners in China."


it's not saying that RMB 461 million (~$60mln) goes in his pocket, but if he wins the gold at the 2008 olympics him getting $13 mln in sponsorship over the next few years seems like a lock.