Liu Xiang (swimmer)

Liu Xiang (Chinese: 刘湘; pinyin: Liú Xiāng; born September 1, 1996) is a Chinese competitive swimmer. She specializes in sprint freestyle and backstroke events.

Liu Xiang gained international recognition at the 2015 World Aquatics Championships in Kazan, Russia, where she won a bronze medal in the 50m backstroke. She is known for her speed and powerful starts.

In the 2018 Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Liu Xiang broke the world record in the 50m backstroke with a time of 26.98 seconds, becoming the first woman to swim the event under 27 seconds. This record was later broken.

Throughout her career, Liu Xiang has represented China in numerous international competitions, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, and Asian Games, consistently placing among the top contenders in her events. She is a prominent figure in Chinese swimming and continues to be a competitive force in the sport.