Eric Liddell: Olympic Runner Who Chose Faith Over Fame

What would you do if your dream came true—but it meant breaking your personal beliefs to reach it?

Eric Liddell faced that exact choice at the 1924 Olympics.

Known as “The Flying Scotsman,” he was one of the fastest men in the world—but also a man of deep Christian faith.

When the world expected him to run for gold, he chose to stand for something greater.

This lesson explores the remarkable journey of a man who ran not just to win, but to honor a higher calling. Let’s discover the story behind the legend.

📘 Vocabulary Builder

(All bold words appear in the reading text.)

• Missionary – Someone sent to spread a religious message, especially in a foreign country.

• Boarding school – A school where students live and study away from home.

• Criticized – Judged negatively or disapproved of.

• Podium – A platform where winners stand to receive medals.

• Invasion – The act of entering another country by force.

• Internment camp – A prison-like camp where people are confined during wartime.

• Surrender – To give up control or resistance, often spiritually or emotionally.

• Faithful – Loyal and devoted, especially to one’s beliefs or religion.

• Purity – The state of being morally clean or innocent.

• Instincts – Natural feelings or behaviors that guide action.

📖 Reading Text: The Life of Eric Liddell

🧒 Part 1: A Childhood of Sacrifice and Strength

Eric Liddell was born in 1902 in Tientsin (Tianjin), China. His Scottish parents were missionaries, teaching and spreading their faith. When Eric was six years old, he and his brother were sent to a boarding school in London. Their parents could only visit every seven years.

Despite the distance and difficulty, Eric adapted. He was strong, cheerful, and incredibly athletic. He excelled in rugby, cricket, and running. Eric once said:

“God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure.”

🥇 Part 2: Olympic Dreams and Faith Under Pressure

By 21, Eric had won the 100-yard dash in 9.7 seconds. He qualified for the 1924 Paris Olympics. But there was a problem—the 100-meter event was on a Sunday. As a Christian, Eric believed that Sunday should be a day of rest. He refused to run.

The media criticized him harshly, calling him unpatriotic. Still, he stood firm in his beliefs.

Instead, he switched to the 400-meter race—an event he had not trained for. On July 11, 1924, Eric stunned the world. He won the race in 47.6 seconds, setting a world record.

On the podium, he held a note with the Bible verse:

“I will honor those who honor me.” – 1 Samuel 2:30

🎬 Part 3: “Chariots of Fire” – Immortalizing Eric’s Journey

Eric’s Olympic story was told in the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

The film follows two British runners—Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams—on their journey to the 1924 Olympics. It shows how Eric’s deep faith shaped every decision he made, including giving up his strongest event for his values.

His famous quote became a worldwide inspiration:

“I feel His pleasure.”

🌏 Part 4: From Track to Mission Field

After the Olympics, Eric returned to China to serve as a missionary. He taught science at the Anglo-Chinese College and shared the Gospel with locals.

He stayed even during unrest and the Japanese invasion of China. In 1941, the British government advised all foreigners to leave. Eric stayed behind to continue his work.

In 1943, he was captured and placed in an internment camp by Japanese soldiers. Even in prison, he taught children, organized sports, and comforted others.

💔 Part 5: The Final Lap

In the camp, Eric began to experience health problems. He lost balance and grew weak. Eventually, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Despite his pain, he continued to encourage others.

Eric died in 1945 at the age of 43. His last words were:

“It’s complete surrender.”

He passed away as he lived—faithful, strong, and full of grace.

🕊️ Part 6: His Legacy and Words of Wisdom

Eric believed that true purity was not about denying instincts, but guiding them with faith and character.

He once said:

“We are all missionaries. Wherever we go, we either bring people nearer to Christ or we repel them from Christ.”

And:

“If, in the quiet of your heart, you feel something should be done, stop and consider whether it is in line with the character and teaching of Jesus.”

✅ Comprehension Quiz – True or False

• Eric Liddell ran the 100-meter race at the Olympics.

• He was born in Scotland.

• Eric refused to leave China during wartime.

• He died in his home in Scotland.

• Chariots of Fire is a film about Eric’s Olympic journey.

Answers:

• False

• False

• True

• False

• True

💬 Discussion Questions

• Would you give up something important for your beliefs or values like Eric did?

• What does “complete surrender” mean to you?

• Do you think Eric was brave or foolish to stay in China during the war?

• Have you seen Chariots of Fire? Would you like to?

• Which quote from Eric Liddell speaks to you the most—and why?

🎥 Bonus Watch: The Real Chariots of Fire

Want to go beyond the film? This powerful ITV documentary, The Real Chariots of Fire, uncovers the true story behind the Oscar-winning movie. Actor Nigel Havers, who played Lord Andrew Lindsay, retraces the lives of Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams, visiting Cambridge, Edinburgh, and Paris. Along the way, he interviews their families, shares rare archive footage, and hears from fans like Sir Trevor McDonald, David Baddiel, and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Actors Ben Cross, producer David Puttnam, and director Hugh Hudson also reflect on the legacy of a story that captured hearts—and won four Academy Awards.

🎬 Watch it here:
👉 The Real Chariots of Fire – YouTube

🧠 Final Reflection

Eric Liddell’s story is not just about athletics. It’s about faith, courage, and living with purpose. Whether on the Olympic track or inside a prison camp, he remained true to his values. His story teaches us that success is not measured by medals—but by the lives we touch and the principles we defend.

Eric’s race ended in 1945. But his legacy still runs through hearts today.

👉 Visit Henry English Hub to explore more reading comprehension posts, vocabulary builders, grammar tips, and real-world English content for motivated learners like you.

Whether you're working on fluency, focus, or just want engaging topics to read about, you’ll find it here.

Real English. Real Stories. Learn, Think, Be inspired.

©2025 Henry English Hub. All rights reserved.