姚明刘翔获劳模殊荣Honor Yao&Liu_奥运英语

　yao ming and liu xiang are nominated as china's national model workers, after a heated debate.

　chinese nba all-star center yao ming and olympic champion hurdler liu xiang have been nominated as china's national model workers, after a heated debate over their eligibility to hold the title.

　the local labour union in shanghai made the announcement wednesday after formal confirmation from the state council, china's cabinet.

　yao has been a shanghai model worker twice in the past and was the first professional athlete to win the award.

　the 21-year-old liu xiang claimed the gold medal of the glamorous men's 110m hurdles in the athens olympic games, which is the first gold chinese men's athlete has ever won from the track and field in the olympics history.

　selection officials think both yao and liu deserve the title since they are patriotic figures and their excellent performance in the international arena has enhanced china's world standing.