From Humble Beginnings to National Hero

In 1922, a 13-year-old boy from Dalian stunned spectators at a Sino-Japanese elementary school track meet in Japan’s leased “Guandong Territory” (modern-day Jinpu New District, Dalian). Liu Changchun, nicknamed “Rabbit Legs” by classmates, blazed through the 100-meter dash in 11.8 seconds—near China’s current national second-tier athlete standard—and dominated the 400-meter event. This performance embarrassed Japanese organizers who promoted Yamato racial superiority theories, while electrifying Chinese audiences witnessing their countryman outpace colonial rivals.

Born in 1909 to a poor Dalian family, Liu left school early to apprentice but maintained rigorous self-training. His 1927 100-meter time of 11 seconds caught the attention of Northeastern University scouts, leading to enrollment at China’s premier athletic program—founded by warlord Zhang Zuolin with resources surpassing Peking University. Under German coach August “Buchi” (world 5000m record holder), Liu refined his technique with tailored nutrition and a 30-silver-yuan monthly stipend (triple Mao Zedong’s 1918 Peking University salary). By 1930, he swept China’s national championships in the 100m (10.6s), 200m, and 400m, earning a Hangzhou street named in his honor.

The Olympic Crisis of 1932

Japan’s 1931 invasion of Manchuria derailed China’s sporting ambitions. When the Nanjing government declined Los Angeles Olympics participation citing financial constraints, Japan’s puppet state “Manchukuo” falsely announced Liu would compete under their flag. The sprinter’s defiant May 1932 declaration in Ta Kung Pao—”I am Chinese! I will never represent a fake nation!”—ignited a national campaign.

With International Olympic Committee approval secured last-minute, Northeastern University chancellor Zhang Xueliang (the “Young Marshal”) personally funded Liu’s $8,000 journey. On July 8, 1932, Shanghai’s docks witnessed emotional scenes as Liu boarded the SS President Wilson bearing China’s flag—a single athlete challenging global perceptions. A contemporary cartoon depicted him as Guan Yu, the legendary warrior, sailing alone toward destiny.

The Loneliest Race

After 22 days at sea—including confrontations with Japanese reporters insisting he represented Manchukuo—Liu arrived exhausted. The opening ceremony’s six-member Chinese delegation (augmented by students and an American advisor) drew tears from diasporic spectators.

On July 31, Liu’s 100m heat saw him lead until the 60-meter mark before fading to fifth (11.1s). His diary lamented: “Sea voyage fatigue… no proper training.” The 200m heat repeated this pattern—strong starts undone by stamina deficits. He withdrew from the 400m, humiliated but resolved to study foreign techniques.

Legacy Beyond the Finish Line

Post-Olympics, Liu set a 10.7s national 100m record (1933) lasting until 1958, but injuries ended his career by 28. During Japan’s occupation, he endured imprisonment and poverty, losing all Olympic memorabilia in the 1938 Changsha Fire. After 1949, recognition returned: teaching positions, national sports committee roles, and toasting leaders at the 1959 National Games.

He died months before China’s 1984 Olympic return—the day Xu Haifeng won gold in Los Angeles mirrored Liu’s 1932 arrival date. Ironically, Liu had been slated to join the 1984 delegation as an observer. Today, his story symbolizes resilience; the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony paid tribute to his solo march, while Dalian’s “Liu Changchun Sports School” trains new generations. His 1932 jersey—”White Mountains, Black Waters” mourning lost Manchuria—hangs in China’s Olympic Museum, a testament to one man’s race against history’s currents.