Liu Xiang Hit by Dayron Robles, Chinese Netizen Reactions

Reports, videos, and photos of Cuba’s Dayron Robles hitting and obstructing China’s Liu Xiang with his right arm during the final two hurdles of the 110m hurdles at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Korea spread on the Chinese internet all day today. Originally, Robles finished first to win the gold while Liu ended up third but Robles was then disqualified for the rule violation.

All three of the following videos on popular Chinese video-sharing website Youku were uploaded a day ago and amongst the day’s (and week’s) most viewed and discussed videos. Many of the views were made through sharing on popular Chinese social network RenRen.

From Youku:

Dayron Robles gold medal disqualified for rule violation, Liu Xiang’s 13.27 elevated to silver

Over 3.5 million views and 9000 comments over 303 pages.

From Youku:

Slow-motion: Liu Xiang visible surprised by disruption, Robles hugs in apology

Nearly 1.7 million views with over 1700 comments.

From Youku:

Dayron Robles personally apologizes, “I’m sorry for Liu Xiang”

The above video has over 1.7 million views and over 1400 comments.

A video of the race on YouTube:

Can’t see the above video?

For comparison, the most viewed videos on YouTube have no more than 60k views so far.

Comments from QQ:

腾讯北京市网友 仁牧:

The last two hurdles. If he didn’t act now, who knows what year it will be before he would see him again. Robles reached out towards Liu Xiang, but was knocked away. The last hurdle. He worked up his courage and once again attempted to pull Liu Xiang’s arm, but Liu Xiang remained unmoved. In the end, Robles won the race, but did not win his heart. 13.14 [seconds], the stadium’s screen finally displayed Robles’ result, as he watched the red back [Liu in his red jersey] silently walk away. “I will wait for you, 1314” [1314 = 一生一世, all my life, forever]

腾讯上海市网友 四眼妹:

During the replay it is very obvious that Robles intentionally disrupted Liu Xiang, moving into Liu Xiang’s lane. Liu’s late game is really good, he obviously had caught up. In my heart, he is still number one, beyond question.

腾讯网友 斗:

I saw the live broadcast while outside the country. Even laowai live broadcasters said that it was Robles hitting [Liu’s] arm in violation of the rules that caused Liu Xiang to lose the gold medal.

腾讯哈尔滨市网友 走过~:

Robles, that low bastard, he was almost running into Liu Xiang’s lane! No matter what you say, he’s supposed to be a world champion too [and thus shouldn’t do this or make this kind of mistake]. If he says it wasn’t intentional, no one would believe it! Better go get a four-wheel alignment after the race!

腾讯南京市网友 啃噬寂寞:

Everyone saw it. At the end, Robles’ hand hit Liu Xiang, right at the most important moment of overtaking. I don’t know if Robles did it intentionally, but it can be certain that Robles didn’t win with glory/honor.

腾讯苏州市网友 大海无量:

Liu Xiang is definitely capable of taking first! Robles was outrageous, clearly intentionally pulling Liu Xiang, without any moral sportsmanship at all. That lousy Robles’ moral character is so poor! He should get lost and go back home.

腾讯上海市网友 随遇而安:

Today, the entire country’s people are eating fried shredded turnip. [a common dish whose name is a pun on the pinyin for “Robles”]

腾讯宿州市网友 延伸爱的链接:

I don’t have much good to say about Robles, only three words to describe him: despicable, low-down, shameless. Jia you Liu Xiang.

腾讯合肥市网友 ruien:

This time, Robles has lost both the race and the people’s [respect].

腾讯网友 漫天飞雪:

Although Liu Xiang didn’t get the gold medal, he is forever the champion in our hearts. Liu Xiang, jia you, you are the pride of the Chinese people!!!

腾讯网友 奋斗:

Chinese people are truly pathetic, always finding excuses when there is a problem. Failure is failure, why not bravely admit it and, just like with certain things, always insist on blaming others.

腾讯网友 吃……..:

I don’t think Robles would be this sinister, it was probably unintended. What more, with the competition being so intense this time, some bumping and jostling can’t be avoided. I don’t think they should’ve revoked his gold medal.

腾讯长春市网友 归去来兮:

When he is the only yellow-skinned Chinese person to appear in the midst of a bunch of black people, Liu Xiang has already won! Let alone when someone intentionally interferes. [I] will always support [Liu Xiang].

腾讯沈阳市网友 ゞ﹏浮華ァ雲:

Robles, that cunt bastard, definitely did it intentionally, Americans are just that low, such trash.

腾讯赤峰市网友 飞扬:

After the 2008 Olympics, I really looked down on Liu Xiang, but from yesterday I’ve truly come to admire him. Had it not been for Robles’ intentional violation, Liu Xiang would’ve been the champion. You will always be number one in my heart, and I cheer for you!!

What do you think? Do you think Robles intentionally interfered with Liu Xiang during the race? Do you think the decision to disqualify Dayron Robles was correct or incorrect?