外国语学院2001级英语教育（3）班

After the Athens Olympic Games, a Chinese name -- “Liu Xiang” came in the spotlight on the world stage. Before he won the 110m Hurdles, he was just a nobody. His might be drowned in the seas of the same names. Now he’s known all over the world, for he created a miracle that astonished people all over the world. He set a record which it seemed impossible for the athletes in China, even those in Asian countries, to attain.

I first came to know about Liu Xiang when he attended a TV interview immediately after he passed the semifinal. His manners during the interview showed that he was sure of his final victory, for which I could not take a liking to him because  I thought he was overestimating himself and was quite self-conceited. Perhaps to some extent, I’m inclined to respect those modest gentlemen. However, to my surprise, several days later, it turned out that Liu Xiang did win the Gold Medal. It’s inconceivable! It was not until then that I realized the truth. What I took as self-conceitedness was in fact self-confidence, which supported him in withstanding the great pressure exerted on him and winning the race at last. And the smile I saw on his face that day was a confident one rather than conceited one! With our national flag hoisted in the stadium, I could not help admiring this tall youngster. It's not exaggerated that all the Chinese felt proud of him!

Now I believe it’s confidence that makes such a miracle. It's indispensable to success. No matter what great challenges we face, we should believe ourselves. Say to yourself: “I can do it!” Confidence is an invisible power that enabled Liu Xiang to achieve success and that will stimulate us to confront whatever difficulties we may encounter on our way towards miracles!