China’s Liu Xiang received the gold medal for the 60 meter hurdles on two occasions after a mix-up over the national anthem at the 12th IAAF World Indoor Athletics Championship in Valencia March 9, 2008.

A bemused Liu was the model of stoicism in the initial ceremony as organizers inadvertently played Chile’s national anthem instead of the Chinese national anthem. Someone probably distributed the wrong music.

He explained to fellow medalists Allen Johnson and Evgeniy Borisov and organizers what had happened.

An altogether happier Liu took to the podium for a second time ten minutes later to pick up his gold once again, on this occasion accompanied by the correct anthem.

The picture shows Liu Xiang posing with his gold medal after winning the men’s 60 metres hurdles.
Source: Reuters