Eric Liddell (1902–1945) was a Scottish Olympic athlete, Christian missionary, and devout man of faith best known for his Olympic fame, his devout faith, and his missionary work.
Liddell gained international attention at the 1924 Paris Olympics, which is portrayed in the film Chariots of Fire (1981). He was favoured to win the 100-meter sprint, but refused to run in the heats because they were held on a Sunday, honouring his belief in keeping the Sabbath holy. Instead, he ran the 400-meter race, which was not his specialty—and won gold, breaking the world record at the time.
Liddell was known for his athletic ability at Edinburgh University, where he began gaining recognition in track events, especially in the 100m and 200m. Around 1922, he began dedicated, structured training with the goal of competing internationally. His talent and commitment quickly earned him a place on the British Olympic team.
His training was considered serious and disciplined, but also relatively modest compared to modern Olympic standards: no professional coaches, training mostly in his spare time, while studying science and preparing for missionary work, and he emphasized natural running form, stamina, and moral strength, rather than advanced sports science.
After refusing to run the 100m due to Sunday heats, he focused his training on the 400m in the months leading up to the Games. Though not his main event, he trained hard and adapted successfully.
Liddell’s decision was widely reported in British newspapers and stirred national controversy. The British press and public were largely baffled and even angry, seeing it as unpatriotic or a waste of Britain’s best hope for gold in the 100m. Some commentators mocked or criticized him for putting religious scruples above national duty during a time when the Olympics were seen as a matter of national pride.
High-ranking officials—including British Olympic authorities, politicians, and aristocrats—reportedly tried to persuade or pressure Liddell to change his mind. He was summoned to meetings with members of the British Olympic Committee. The Prince of Wales (later King Edward VIII) is said to have been involved in urging him to reconsider. Despite these efforts, Liddell calmly but firmly refused, citing his religious conviction to keep the Sabbath holy.
Liddell remained unmoved and respectful in the face of criticism. His quiet resolve won admiration, even from some initial detractors.
“To do the best of which I am capable, to run my race and to keep the faith, means that I must obey God first.”
When Liddell won gold in the 400m and set a world record, the mood shifted dramatically. Many who had criticized him came to admire his integrity and strength of character. He became a national hero, not just for his athletic feat but for standing by his beliefs.
After his Olympic success, he returned to China, where he had been born to missionary parents, to serve as a missionary and teacher. Liddell remained in China and chose not to leave with his wife and children before the Japanese occupation because of his deep sense of Christian duty and calling to serve the Chinese people, especially in their time of crisis.
During World War II, he was interned by the Japanese in a civilian camp in China. He died in the internment camp in 1945, just months before the camp was liberated. His death was attributed to a brain tumour, worsened by malnutrition and overwork. Fellow internees later spoke of his selfless kindness, leadership, and unwavering faith during extremely difficult conditions.
Eric Liddell, with only partial light, was willing to sacrifice fame, freedom, and even life to honour the day he believed was sacred—are we Seventh-day Adventists, who have greater light on the true Sabbath and end-time truth, willing to stand as boldly for our faith. Let his unwavering conviction be a call to revival and courage among God’s remnant people.
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