Eyes on the prize

On July 27th 2024, the 33rd modern Olympic Games will begin in Paris, the third time the event has been held in the French capital. The last time was a century ago in 1924, an event made famous partly by the exploits of Eric Liddell, the subject of the Oscar winning 1981 film, Chariots of Fire.

Eric Henry Liddell was born on January 16, 1902, in Tientsin (now Tianjin), China, to Scottish missionary parents. His early years in China and subsequent education in Scotland set the stage for a life of unwavering commitment to his faith. Liddell’s upbringing was steeped in the Christian ethos of service, humility, and dedication. His parents, devoted to their missionary work, instilled in him a deep sense of purpose and a desire to contribute positively to the world.

From a young age, Liddell exhibited remarkable athletic talent. His prowess on the rugby field and track quickly became apparent during his years at Eltham College in London, where he excelled in sports. Despite the challenges of balancing rigorous academic pursuits with his athletic ambitions, Liddell’s determination never wavered. His ability to maintain high standards in both domains was a testament to his disciplined approach and strong work ethic.

Liddell's athletic journey reached its zenith at the 1924 Paris Olympics but his path to glory there was filled with controversy and challenge. Liddell believed in honouring the Sabbath and his convictions were put to the test when the heats for the 100m, his best event, were scheduled for a Sunday. Despite immense pressure and the potential cost to his athletic career, Liddell refused to compromise his principles. This decision was met with intense criticism by authorities, the media and the public.

Instead of competing in the 100m, Liddell focused on the 400m, an event he was given no chance of winning. On July 11, 1924, Eric Liddell ran the race of his life. Drawing strength from his faith, he ran with a sense of purpose and determination that transcended mere physical prowess. Liddell not only won the gold medal but also set a new world record with a time of 47.6 seconds, breaking his own personal best by an extraordinary two seconds. Running in the outside lane having qualified last for the final, he had no visibility of his opponents and he sprinted all the way. The 400m is an event where runners generally have to conserve some energy to manage “hitting the wall” when the body goes from a process of anaerobic to aerobic energy consumption. The physical pain he would have had to run through in the last quarter of the race was likely immense. His victory was a powerful testament to the belief that faith and determination can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

His later work as a missionary in China and his death during WW2 was a further example of his immense courage in the face of profound difficulty.

Peter Bain

Business Manager

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