Eric Liddell - Running to bring Fulfillment on Life

Eric Liddell The movie Chariots of Fire was based on Eric Liddell's Olympic accomplishments. In the movie, he makes a statement that he basically feels the most alive and free when he is running. By running and racing, he was intertwining his mind, body and soul, and honoring his creator in the process. Every step of every race he emitted a great joy evident to all.

In the 1924 Olympics, he was one of the favorites for the 100 Meter gold. Then he found out that the qualifying rounds were on a Sunday, a day which conflicted with his personal convictions about racing. We are not here to argue whether or not he was right or wrong on choosing not to race on Sunday, but rather honor him for choosing to do what he felt was right regardless of the pressures from the leaders of his team and country.

Still motivated by his pure joy of running, he decided to move up to the 400 Meter, which is quite a different race. In typical fashion, he shook hands with each competitor prior to the race, and then proceeded to set the Olympic and World Record - the highlight of the 1924 Games.

Straight away after the 1924 games, Eric went to spend the rest of his life as a missionary in China. He was so dedicated to the people there and was born and died in China that some countries label him as China's first Olympic Champion. His running was an expression of his fulfillment in life - a life he continued to gracefully share with by serving others.

Remember Eric Liddell as one who could not be persuaded to do anything other than what he knew was the right thing to do. He is the ultimate Olympic Champion in the race of making tough decisions. And he always decided to run with all of his heart!