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Eric Liddell

Eric Liddell

January 16, 1902 – February 21, 1945

Olympic Runner & Missionary

Refused to run on Sunday, then won Olympic gold for God's glory

Biography

Scottish Olympic gold medalist (400m, 1924 Paris Olympics) who refused to run his best event (100m) because the heat was on a Sunday. He later served as a missionary in China, where he died in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

Faith & Testimony

Liddell famously said, 'God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.' After his Olympic triumph, he devoted his life to missionary work in China. His story was immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film 'Chariots of Fire.'

Sources

  • Eric Liddell — WikipediaBiography of the Olympic champion turned missionary
  • Chariots of Fire — WikipediaThe Oscar-winning film based on Liddell's story
  • For the Glory: Eric Liddell's Journey from Olympic Champion to Modern MartyrBy Duncan Hamilton. Comprehensive biography

Videos