Liu Xiang wins the Judging Committee's Special Award of the Year award during the 2011 CCTV Sports Personality Awarding Ceremony in Beijing, Jan 15, 2012.(Xinhua Photo)

Liu Xiang, men's 110m hurdles champion at the Athens Olympic Games and runner-up of World Championships 2011, was a surprised winner to take the Judging Committee's Special Award.

"It was a shock for me! I've never thought to win this award though I've won many honors in past years. I felt sad and sorrow when I watched out many athletes' retirement. However, I don't want to retire. I hope I can run in a happy mood as long as I can."

Wang Haibin was named the Best Coach of the year as he led his men's foil team to crown at the World Fencing Championships. China's women volleyball team was awarded the Best Team.