Shi Dongpeng was standing nearby, getting ready, so he heard every single word Alan Johnson said with perfect clarity.
First came shock. Shi Dongpeng couldn't believe that a senior figure in the world of hurdling, a legendary athlete, would say something like that in public.
Then came the anger.
Anyone would be furious when faced with such ridicule and discrimination.
"Liu Xiang, you're just going to let him walk away like that?" Shi Dongpeng rushed over and asked angrily.
"What else could I do?"
Liu Xiang clenched his fists. 'Start a fight with him in a foreign country? Get suspended, arrested by the police, and bring shame to all Chinese athletes?'
He couldn't afford those consequences.
"If you won't, I will." Shi Dongpeng stomped his foot, about to charge forward.
Liu Xiang quickly grabbed him and said through gritted teeth, "Calm down."
