Summary of Key Points
Liu Xiang, who retired 11 years ago, is facing "retirement settlement" requirements from the Shanghai Sports Bureau due to the lack of formal retirement procedures. He has two options: to receive a one-time compensation or to become a coach. This issue reflects the need to address the problem of athletes who are officially registered within the system but not actually working. It also raises disputes over the distribution of commercial earnings before and after retirement—Liu Xiang feels that while he is being settled according to current regulations, past commercial agreements have not been mentioned. Essentially, this situation illustrates the transition in sports management from a more relaxed approach to a more standardized one, and the challenge of balancing the system with respect for meritorious athletes.
1. Why the sudden attention after 11 years of no settlement? — A "historical issue" brought about by inspection and reform
Liu Xiang announced his retirement in 2015 but did not complete the official retirement procedures, resulting in a situation where he was officially registered with the Shanghai Sports Bureau but not actually working. This was previously ignored because he was an Olympic champion who had made significant contributions to Shanghai's sports (such as winning a gold medal in Athens and setting a world record with a time of 12.88 seconds). However, in 2024, the Shanghai Sports Bureau was criticized by a municipal inspection team for lax athlete management, and it was required to "sort out the existing personnel and standardize the retirement process." With the bureau's commitment to publish the reform results by 2026 and changes in management, the issue of Liu Xiang's retirement could no longer be postponed.
2. Two options for retired athletes: stay within the system as a coach or receive compensation and leave
There are two legal options for outstanding retired athletes in Shanghai:
1. Organizational settlement (chosen by about 70% of them): They join sports-related organizations, often becoming coaches or taking management positions (for example, Wu Minxia became a diving coach for youth training). A few may go to public institutions, universities, or state-owned enterprises, but they do not receive a permanent position unless there are available spots.
2. Independent career choice (compensation purchase): They receive a one-time payment and are then free from any further ties to the organization. The compensation includes a basic settlement fee, a bonus for their sports career, and rewards for their achievements. Given Liu Xiang's achievements (Olympic champion and world record holder), the compensation would likely be in the millions of yuan, funded by public funds and sports lottery revenue (Shanghai alone spent 7 million yuan on this in 2022).
Liu Xiang posted on Weibo asking whether he should choose compensation or to become a coach, indicating his preference for the latter option, as he dislikes working in an office. However, he is also frustrated by the sudden emphasis on settlement procedures.
3. Why does Liu Xiang object to the distribution of advertising fees? — The difference between "past" and "present" commercial arrangements
Liu Xiang's comment on Weibo about the lack of legal and regulatory guidelines for advertising fee distribution is a reminder of past practices:
- Before retirement: A portion of his commercial earnings (from endorsements and variety shows) had to be shared. For instance, in 2007, the sports management committee specified that 50% went to Liu Xiang, 15% to his coaching team, 20% to the Shanghai Sports Bureau, and 15% to the track and field association (these funds were used for the development of track and field). At the peak of his career, his annual earnings reached 160 million yuan, from which the Shanghai Sports Bureau received 32 million yuan.
- After retirement: All of his commercial earnings (including his lifetime Nike endorsement) are no longer subject to sharing. He also registered his own sports studio, which he later closed. He feels that the previous distribution of funds was unfair and that the current settlement requirements are inconsistent.
It is important to note that rumors of a lifetime contract worth 14 million yuan from Nike per year are false; the actual annual compensation is in the millions of yuan, which is not particularly high compared to the standards for other outstanding retired athletes.
4. This is not just Liu Xiang's issue — The "painful process" of standardizing sports management
Liu Xiang's situation is not unique:
- Wu Minxia also experienced a similar situation after retirement, remaining officially registered but not working, and she only became a coach after the 2024 Paris Olympics, in line with the reform requirements.
- This is a broader issue within the sports system, where efforts are being made to address the problem of athletes receiving salaries without actually working.
The challenge is to find a way to provide a proper exit for meritorious athletes while still adhering to the rules. This transition from "personal favoritism" to "systematic management" is essential for the development of Chinese sports.
In conclusion
The controversy surrounding Liu Xiang's retirement is a reflection of the changing times. In the past, meritorious athletes were supported through personal connections, but now management relies on systems. The conflict between these two approaches requires more humane solutions. After all, we should not let former heroes continue to struggle with their retirement arrangements long after they have retired.