The athlete, who resides in Shanghai, China, pursued higher education in Sports Science at East China Normal University. Fluent in Chinese and Mandarin, he began his athletic journey under the guidance of Sun Haiping in 2001.

International Debut and Achievements

He made his international debut in 2000 at the World Championship in Chile, competing for China. His most memorable sporting achievement came in 2004 when he won gold and equalled the world record at the Olympic Games.

Nicknames and Hobbies

Known as the "Flying Man," a nickname derived from his name Xiang which means 'to fly' or 'soar' in Mandarin, he enjoys listening to music and playing video games during his leisure time.

Injuries and Comebacks

Throughout his career, he faced several injuries. He underwent Achilles tendon surgery after pulling out of his first-round heat at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing. This injury kept him out of competitions for 13 months. He returned to the track at the Shanghai Golden Grand Prix in September 2009.

Awards and Honours

His gold medal in the 110m hurdles at the 2004 Olympic Games made him the first male athlete from China to win an Olympic title on the track. He was named Newcomer of the Year for 2005 at the Laureus World Sports Awards and was voted Male Athlete of the Year by Chinese sports journalists in 2003.

Endorsements and Sponsorships

In 2007, he signed endorsement deals worth USD$1.3 million. As part of their sponsorship, China Insurance donated an insurance policy that protected his legs leading up to the 2008 Olympic Games. He reportedly gives back 25 per cent of his commercial earnings to Chinese national and provincial athletic federations.

Inspirations and Philosophy

He idolised United States' hurdler Allen Johnson and asked for Johnson's autograph when they first raced together in 2002. As a child, he was inspired by China's table tennis star Deng Yaping. His sporting philosophy is simple: "For some athletes it's just a job. For me it's something I love."

Family Motivation

He spent considerable time with his paternal grandmother while growing up. She cooked him a special braised pork dish she believed would provide the energy required to be a champion hurdler. She passed away while he was competing at the 2001 National Chinese Games in Guangzhou. Upon learning about her passing after returning home, he vowed to win every gold medal on her behalf.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, he plans to continue working hard and aims to achieve more milestones in his athletic career. His dedication and love for the sport remain unwavering as he strives for excellence.