ABSTRACT
Liu Changchun was the first athlete to represent China in the Olympic Games. Although he failed to achieve medals in either 1932 or 1936, he still features in the historical chapter of China’s official participation in the Olympic Games. Liu Changchun was brought up in poverty, and from a young age excelled in running, winning numerous junior championships before entering university where he increased his running achievements. Against the odds, and much to the annoyance of Japanese occupiers, Liu Changchun decided to represent China in the Olympic games of 1932. Although poor planning and a lack of preparation meant he failed in his various heats, Liu Changchun became a national hero to Chinese citizens. After the establishment of the PRC in 1949 he went on to become a coach and, subsequently, to represent China on the International Olympic Committee later in life.
