Olympic Gold medalist Liu Xiang will take part in the third season of the Chinese edition of The Amazing Race, according to a press conference held by the show's producers, streaming site Sohu TV and broadcaster Shenzhen TV, in Beijing on Monday.

The latest season of the show will see teams of two race around the world and compete against each other in a series of sport-related competitions in former Olympic host cities such as Athens, Munich and Tokyo.

The show is Liu's first foray into the entertainment industry. At the press conference, Liu said that he had never considered joining a reality show before.

"It is an exciting show with a tight schedule. We need to travel to 10 cities around the world in less than six months. Some competitions like parachuting and bungee jumping are sure to be a big challenge," he said, adding that he hopes his cousin and partner, Ji Longxiang, will help.

In addition to Liu and his cousin, a total of eight teams include former dancer and TV host Jin Xing and her husband, as well as former diving queen and Olympic Gold medalist Guo Jingjing and her husband.

Guo said that it was Athens, a place that holds a lot of memories for her and her husband, helped her decide to join the show.

"We once took wedding photos there, but this will be a fresh experience." 

The third season will start airing on Sohu TV and Shenzhen TV on July 8.