Eric Liddell was born to Scottish missionary parents in Tianjin, Northern China in 1902. In 1908, Eric and his brother Robert were left in England for formal schooling. It was there where the athletic prowess of the two brothers was first discovered. Later on, they went to Edinburgh University where Eric earned the honor of being the top 100-yard sprinter and second-fastest 200-yard runner in the whole university. He also won the 100-yard sprint in the Scottish University Sports Competition.
Eric has a good attitude and sportsmanship. He would always shake each contestant's hand before a competition and wish him success. He sometimes volunteer to run the outside lane, which runners avoid. Although shy by nature, Eric volunteered to speak in gospel campaigns and it was there that he realized that God gave him the gift of fame to share His message to other people.
He then tried for the British Olympic team in 1923 and after winning the qualifying heat and finals, he was entered in the 100-meter and 200-meter races for the upcoming Olympic Games.
However, three months before the start of the Games, he learned that the heats for the 100-meter sprint were scheduled on a Sunday. Eric had never run and would never run on a Sunday because to him it was a day of rest and reverence for God. Because of his decision, some called him a traitor to his country. To resolve the issue, the British Olympic Committee asked him to consider running the 200-meter and 400-meter races, to which Eric agreed. During the games, it was Abrahams who won the gold medal for Great Britain in the 100-meter race. Eric subsequently won the bronze medal for the 200-meter race but was not expected to win the 400-meter race.
Eric honored God and God honored him indeed. To the amazement of many, he won the 400-meter over the much favored American and Swiss runners ad even set a new world record. He is an example of a man who used his talents and fame for the glory of His Creator. In the movie "The Flying Man" he said: "I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast. When I run, I feel His presence".
After graduation, he went to China as a missionary. When World War II broke out, he gave up his opportunity to be released through POW exchange to a pregnant woman.
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