About Eric Liddell
Eric Liddell was a Scottish sprinter, rugby player, and Christian missionary. Although he was born in Tianjin, North China, Eric had strong links to Scotland and Edinburgh. He studied at the University of Edinburgh, represented Scotland in Rugby and Athletics, lived and taught in Edinburgh.
At the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, Liddell refused to run in the heats for his favoured 100 metres because they were held on a Sunday. Instead he competed in the 400 metres held on a weekday, a race that he won. He returned to China in 1925 to serve as a missionary teacher. Aside from two furloughs in Scotland, he remained in China until his death in a Japanese civilian internment camp in 1945.
Liddell’s Olympic training and racing, and the religious convictions that influenced him, are depicted in the Oscar-winning 1981 film Chariots of Fire.
The story of Eric Liddell is important not only because of his sporting success but also his values and the good he brought to those he met. The story of his remarkable life and work continues to inspire people today.
Our Vision
To create a global community that celebrates Eric Liddell’s inspirational legacy, values and integrity.
Our Mission
To bring his achievements to life for everyone, and inspire new generations to make a positive impact on their community, their society and their world.
Our Values
We believe that any individual can make a positive impact on the world if they approach the challenges they face with passion, compassion and integrity.
Passion
Enthusiasm, dedication, optimism, self-belief
Compassion
Humility, selflessness, respect, care, community-minded
Integrity
Discretion, loyalty, self-sacrifice, principled
Workstreams
These ambitious aims are being achieved through the creation of three workstreams covering educational, sporting and cultural developments:
- Educational: Development of physical and online resources to support learning in schools, universities, and adult learning.
- Sporting and Physical Activity: Promoting the legacy of Eric Liddell’s sporting success through participation, engagement, fun and competition across multiple disciplines.
- Cultural: The creation of an Eric Liddell Exhibition and other cultural celebrations in keeping with his legacy.
Key Achievements
2024 was a very special year for The Eric Liddell Community.
As a charity named after Eric Liddell, we felt that it was incumbent on us to mark the centenary year of his gold medal win at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, we hosted a variety of special events celebrating all aspects of Eric Liddell’s life—from community and sport to faith—bringing people together from all walks of life to honour his enduring legacy.
We were honoured that our Patron, HRH The Princess Royal, graciously supported many of our events. Two standout moments she attended were The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture and The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner.
The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture
The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture was held on 7th November 2023 on board Fingal, Edinburgh.
An informed lecture was delivered brilliantly by Professor Dr Grant Jarvie, along with inspirational input from our Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal.
Over 60 senior executives from major corporations attended the event, which led to the development of a wide range of contacts that benefitted both The Eric Liddell 100 and The Eric Liddell Community.
The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner
The Eric Liddell Awards Gala Dinner took place on 1st November 2024, hosted by Sally Magnusson MBE, with a live auction by David Tanner. HRH The Princess Royal presented awards to individuals who made outstanding contributions to sport, science, and community work.
In partnership with key organisations, 100 people were honoured throughout the year with Eric Liddell Awards for exemplifying passion, compassion, and integrity.
Get Involved
The Eric Liddell 100 is a partnership initiative, we are extremely grateful to all of our partners that are supporting this work as we could not have developed such ambitious plans alone!
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