Welcome

“ As the Paris Olympics opens later this month, may all be inspired by the legacy and life of an athlete whose life was lived wholly in faith.

IN the early 1980s I was captivated by an Oscar-winning film about a Christian Scottish athlete who, against the odds, strode to victory and captured an Olympic gold medal.

That film was Chariots of Fire and the athlete was Eric Liddell. This month marks the centenary of his famous victory at the 1924 Paris Olympics.

The former Edinburgh University student was tipped for gold in the 100 metres, but when the timetable was published, learned the heats for the event were to take place on a Sunday, and, as a committed Christian, the child of missionary parents in China, he decided to switch events. He spent the weeks before the Games training for the longer event, although his times were not world beating. He also declined further opportunities to race in relays as these too, included racing on a Sunday.

Although it had not been his event, he unexpectedly raced to gold against the odds. The story of his famous victory was retold and celebrated in Chariots of Fire. Liddell returned to Edinburgh and, following his graduation with a science degree, followed in the footsteps of his parents and followed the call to become a missionary to China.

He spent the rest of his life in China, marrying the daughter of Canadian missionaries, and with the onset of the Second World War, sent his family to safety (his wife was pregnant with their youngest child).

Invading Japanese forces led to his internment where he sadly died a few months before the end of the war from a suspected brain tumour. He had acted as a science teacher in the camp before his death, where ‘Uncle Eric’ was beloved by all.

In Chariots of Fire, a moment of drama is captured, when Liddell appears to be handed a note from another athlete, offering encouragement. Reports suggest this was untrue, but instead that a team masseuse had handed Liddell a note on the morning of the 400 metre final. Reading it later, he found a reference to 1 Samuel 2:30: ‘In the old book it says ‘He that honours me, I will honour.’ Wishing you the best of success always.’ Recognising the reference, Liddell was moved that another had understood his stand in turning his back on the best chance of success.

As the Paris Olympics opens later this month, may all be inspired by the legacy and life of an athlete whose life was lived wholly in faith.

Lynne McNeil Editor