The Eric Liddell 100
A legend. A legacy. A lifetime of inspiration.
To secure, cherish and celebrate the legacy of Eric Liddell for future generations across the world.
About The Eric Liddell 100
Celebrating the legacy of a Scottish and international icon.
The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures. It is being planned around 2024, the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic success at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.
We are delighted that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, has agreed to be the Patron of The Eric Liddell 100.
The initiative is being led by The Eric Liddell Community, registered care charity, with the input and support of a wide range of partners.
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
Our Aims
- To celebrate Eric Liddell globally, for his exceptional life, values and achievements.
- To acknowledge how his outlook shapes how we help people live full lives.
- To show a new generation how these aims can help them live their best lives.
- To build on existing international links and strengthen relationships around the world.
- To develop new sporting, business, cultural and educational relationships linked to Eric Liddell’s legacy.
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.
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!
There are many ways that you can support our work, including:
Helping to deliver the plans
We will be working closely with schools, sporting and cultural organisations to develop and implement this initiative. If you or your team could help bring this global initiative to life, we would love to hear from you.
Raising awareness & promoting our work
One of our key aims is to raise awareness of Eric Liddell, his achievements and values. If you can help by sharing information about The Eric Liddell 100 through your networks, media connections and social media platforms, this would be greatly appreciated.
Making connections
We are collaborative by nature and cannot realise our vision alone. If you can introduce us to prospective partners, supporters or funders who would be interested in this pioneering initiative, please do put us in touch.
Fundraising
Can you or your organisation help to fund our plans? We are developing opportunities for sponsorship and we would love to hear from you if you can offer any support.
Latest ELC 100 News
Eric Liddell 100 launches ‘Eric Liddell Awards’ in honour of Scotland’s Olympic Hero
Awards will be hosted at George Watson’s College by Scottish icons, Sally Magnusson MBE and David Tanner, and presented by Her Royal Highness The Princess…
Flying Scots Challenge
People from all over the world joined us in September to support our ‘Flying Scots’ Challenge. The month-long challenge offered participants the opportunity to set…
New Exhibition ‘Eric Liddell and Weifang’ opens at The Eric Liddell Community in Edinburgh
The Eric Liddell Community has announced a new exhibition, ‘Eric Liddell and Weifang’, organised by the Weihsien West Civilians Concentration Camp Site Museum, showcasing the…
History repeats at The Eric Liddell 131st Senior Championships
Scottish distance runner, Luke Davidson, channels Eric Liddell’s legacy to win gold in a different distance due to his religion Scottish middle-distance runner, Luke Davidson,…
Royal tribute to Eric Liddell’s legacy at St. Giles’ Cathedral
HER ROYAL HIGHNESS THE PRINCESS ROYAL ATTENDED THE SERVICE OF CENTENARY CELEBRATION AND REMEMBRANCE FOR ‘THE FLYING SCOTSMAN’, ERIC LIDDELL On Saturday the 22nd of…
Eric Liddell awarded honorary degree
On Monday, 15th July, Eric Liddell was posthumously awarded an honorary degree from The University of Edinburgh. His daughter, Patricia Liddell Russell, travelled all the…
Eric Liddell: Legacy of an Olympic Legend
The Eric Liddell 100 is delighted to announce an inspiring, world-first, exhibition commemorating Eric Liddell will be unveiled at the Scottish Parliament this summer, marking…
Commemoration reception in memory of Eric Liddell
A commemoration reception in memory of Eric Liddell, recognising his contribution toward forging a friendship between China and Scotland, was hosted by the Chinese Consulate…
Securing Eric Liddell’s Legacy: Olympic Year Appeal
The Olympic Year Appeal was launched on 27th May for The Eric Liddell 100 initiative to secure our charity namesake’s legacy. As we approach the…
Legacy in the Links – Path in Bruntsfield Links renamed to honour the legacy of ‘Chariots of Fire’ inspiration
Legacy in the Links – Path in Bruntsfield Links renamed to honour the legacy of ‘Chariots of Fire’ inspiration Unveiled by Scottish International Rugby Player, Darcy…
The Eric Liddell 100 teams take part in Melrose 7s
The Eric Liddell 100 and partners came together at the historic Melrose 7s tournament on Saturday, with men’s and women’s teams putting in gallant performances.…
In celebration of Tartan Day (Saturday 6th of April), The Eric Liddell Community launches its exclusive tartan, honouring Scotland’s iconic sportsman.
Furry friends join in the unveiling ceremony, marking a poignant tribute to Eric Liddell’s enduring legacy. With the support of Kinloch Anderson an Eric Liddell…
Eric Liddell’s legacy honoured at Stade Yves-Du-Manoir, Paris in momentous plaque unveiling ceremony
In a heartfelt tribute to one of Scotland’s most celebrated sporting figures, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign celebrated a historic moment at the Stade De…
‘The Flying Scotsman’ Liddell honoured with World Athletics Heritage Plaque’
We are proud to announce that our namesake, Eric Liddell, ‘The Flying Scotsman,’ was awarded a World Athletics Heritage Plaque in the posthumous category of…
Pop-up exhibition launches in the heart of Glasgow to pay tribute to Scottish Olympic Champion
A display paying tribute to Eric Liddell, the legendary 1924 Olympic 400m champion, was launched on 19th February, in the lead-up to the World Indoor…
100 Years On: Schools nationwide empowered to keep sportsman’s memory alive with free education resource
The Eric Liddell Community charity unveils lesson plans and material to remember Eric Liddell. Nearly 100 years on from Eric Liddell’s Olympic Gold Medal win…
The Eric Liddell 100 to launch Online Learning Course Celebrating Scottish Legacy
The Eric Liddell Community, in collaboration with the University of Edinburgh and Woodgate Consulting, has today (Tuesday 16th January 2024) launched The Eric Liddell 100…
The Inaugural Eric Liddell Lecture
Edinburgh Care Charity hosts the Eric Liddell Lecture in the presence of Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal An inaugural lecture by the University of…
The Eric Liddell 100 and Melrose 7s announce partnership for 2024
We are delighted to have been invited to partner with Melrose 7s rugby tournament in 2024 as part of The Eric Liddell 100. Whilst predominately…
The Princess Royal welcomes two more champions to The Eric Liddell 100
At an inaugural event in Edinburgh, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal gave a warm welcome to two former Olympic stars who have joined the…
The Eric Liddell 100 – International Fundraising Event and Partnership Development
We were pleased to work with Judson University on our first international fundraising event in support of The Eric Liddell 100 which took place in…
The Eric Liddell 100 – First International Fundraising Event
We are delighted that we are working with Judson University on our first international fundraising event in support of The Eric Liddell 100 in Chicago,…
Champions come together for centenary celebrations for iconic sporting hero
Sporting heroes, educational masterminds. cultural icons and corporate professionals are joining together to orchestrate a major programme of activities to honour the legacy of one…
HRH The Princess Royal, Patron of The Eric Liddell 100
We are absolutely delighted to announce that Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal has agreed to become the Patron of The Eric Liddell 100, which…
Celebrating the 100th anniversary of Eric’s first international cap for Scottish Rugby
Today is the centenary of Eric Liddell’s first international cap for Scottish Rugby. Our friends and colleagues at the SRU have recognised this significant date…
