Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang will go under the knife in London after a serious Achilles tendon tear put him out of the London Games.

Liu will be treated by a specialist sports surgeon on Wednesday, who has previously operated on English footballer David Beckham.

According to the Chinese Athletics Association, Liu's injury was just an unfortunate incident; he was not forced to take part.

When asked about why Liu took part in spite of injury, the vice director explained Liu had been confident before the competition and had not realized the severity.

He added that they would have otherwise stopped him from running in the heat, as it is their principle to protect athletes.

(CNTV.cn August 8, 2012)