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.
Latest ELC 100 News
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…
