Eric Liddell is best known in the U.S. and Canada as the Scottish sprinter whose story was told in the film “Chariots of Fire.” At the 1924 Paris Olympics, he declined to compete in his best event, the 100-meter race, since qualifying was on a Sunday. Instead, he later ran the more grueling 400-meter and won the gold in record time.

But that was only part of his story. In 1925, he left his fame and Scotland behind to become a Christian missionary to China. There he started a family, taught children, organized sports, and shared his faith. When WWII hit the country, he landed in an internment camp where he continued to serve others. Sadly, Eric passed away from an undetected tumor just five months before the war’s end.

We want to use these centennial years as an opportunity not only to celebrate his Olympic win and call to missions, but to promote the values he inspired – Passion, Compassion, and Integrity – to audiences everywhere, especially young people. These themes are woven into the resources you see below, because we believe the lessons to be learned from the way Eric lived his life are just as relevant today – perhaps more so.

These resources were developed in Scotland and have been used successfully here in 2024. They are offered at no cost, are easy to download, and adaptable by you for use in the U.S. and Canada.

These centennial anniversaries are the perfect time to introduce Eric’s story to new generations and to celebrate this icon of Scottish history.

We hope you’ll join us!

Contact us at el100@ericliddell.org with questions or for more information.