Eric Liddell

2008 Inductees

Eric Liddell was a science student at the University in the early 1920’s as well as being an iconic Scottish athlete celebrated for his Olympic success and his religious conviction.

He was an exceptional athlete and multiple record holder in the sprint events ~ in matter of fact, his 100 yeards best of 9.7 sec stood as a British record for an incredible 35 years.

He was selected for the GB & Northern Ireland team at the Paris Olympic Games in 1924.

However he declined to run in his preferred 100 yds event because it took place on a Sunday, which conflicted with his Christian beliefs. Instead, he took part in the 200m, winning a bronze medal. He then stepped up to the 400m event, and with minimal preparation and against all odds, he won the race by six metres and in a world record time. Eric Liddell’s remarkable story has been the subject of several books and TV documentaries, as well as the Oscar winning Film ‘Chariots of Fire’. Not only was he a double Olympic medallist, Eric also won 7 international caps for Scotland in Rugby, for which he was awarded a University Blue in 1922.

After graduating from University, Eric’s life became increasingly dominated by missionary work, particularly in China. It is therefore poignant that we can remember and celebrate Eric Liddell’s life, both sporting and humanitarian, as we look forward to the Beijing Olympics this Summer.