I recently watched again the Oscar winning film ‘Chariots of Fire’. It is a terrific film. Once again I was moved by how the film portrays the faith of Olympian Eric Liddell (played to perfection by the late Ian Charleson). But there is more to the story than most people know.
For those not acquainted with the story or the film, a brief summary. Eric Liddell was born in China to a Scottish protestant missionary family. He was quite an athlete. An accomplished Rugby player, he attended the University of Edinburgh where he also took up and eventually dedicated himself to running. So accomplished was he as an athlete, Liddell was asked to represent the U.K. in the 1924 Paris Olympics in the 100 meter dash.
In the film, Liddell debates with his sister about whether his focus should be on running or on their missionary work. Liddell responds by saying “I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure.”
Liddell then showed the world he was more than a remarkable athlete; he was a remarkable Christian as well. A few months before the Olympics …>>>>
