"There'll be opportunities next year, and afterwards there'll still be opportunities. After all, I'm still in peak condition. I need to be a bit optimistic and can't grumble and blame others."

China's leaders have thrown their support behind Liu Xiang, urging him to overcome injury and return to "glory".

In a sign of the national prestige invested in the hurdler, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping sent Liu a get-well message, state media reported on Tuesday.

The ruling Communist Party's leadership had been "very concerned about Liu Xiang's injury, and hopes he will receive swift treatment and soon heal", said the message from Xi issued by Xinhua news agency.

Liu's former sports doctor, Chen Shiyi, told Xinhua the hurdler's career need not be over if his tendon injury is treated swiftly.

"Many famed athletes have successfully recovered from such injuries," said Chen, who Xinhua said could be part of Liu's new treatment team. But Chen also warned that such strains can recur and there is no "perfectly effective" treatment.

Liu's departure has dominated talk and commentary in China, overshadowing the nation's leading gold medal haul. Liu's mother, Ji Fenhua, said he felt the pressure of adulation.

The People's Daily website (www.people.com.cn) criticized Internet speculation that Liu folded under pressure on home soil.

"Perhaps a nation of 1.3 billion should not place the burdens of its aspirations on a boy's shoulders," a commentary said.