CCTV slammed for broadcast of hurdler’s stumble

China Central Television and Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang have attracted controversy after it was learned that CCTV had prepared for Liu’s crash at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

However, experts said it is normal for broadcasters to make plans for such eventualities at important sports events, especially since Liu’s coach had announced before the race that Liu had suffered injuries.

During a seminar on Wednesday, Sha Tong, head of the CCTV anchor team for the Olympic broadcast, said that anchor Yang Jian had known about Liu’s serious injury through unofficial channels before the race, according to a report on Thursday by China Youth Daily.

To deal with possible accidents, Yang made four plans for the live broadcast, and Plan A was that Liu fell during the race, said the report.

On Aug 7, Liu tumbled onto the track of the 110m hurdles when he tried to clear the first hurdle. He sat on the track holding his right foot, then got up, hopped down the track, and kissed the final hurdle before being consoled by foreign competitors.

In the live broadcast, Yang cried while saying "Liu Xiang is a warrior".

Yang said even though he had prepared for Liu’s possible fall, he could not control his feelings when he witnessed it.

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