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Eric Liddell 400 Meter Gold Medal Run
"I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure."
~ Eric Liddell (1902-1945)
The 2024 Olympics are being held in Paris this year coming up later this month, but 100 years ago at the 1924 Paris Olympics, Scottish athlete, rugby union international and Christian missionary, Eric Liddell gained international acclaim for his performance in the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 400 meters, despite his best event being the 100 meters. His steadfast faith was exemplified by his refusal to run in the 100 meters heats on a Sunday, in adherence to his religious convictions. This principled stand, along with his athletic achievements, was prominently featured in the Oscar-winning movie Chariots of Fire. After his athletic career, Liddell devoted his life to missionary work in China, where he continued to serve until his untimely death in a Japanese internment camp on February 21, 1945. The numbers 100 and 24 are included in the threadcount of this tartan to reference the centenary of his 1924 Olympic success. Colours: yellow, representing gold, represents his gold medal; blue is for Scotland; navy blue for Scottish Rugby & Edinburgh University; red for China; green is intended to represent his family holidays at Carcant & his love of field sports and grey is intended to represent the pain of separation, internment & loss in his life. Liddell's legacy as a man of faith, integrity, and exceptional athleticism continues to inspire many. 🏆 🏃♂️ ✝️
Designed by Kinloch Anderson, this tartan commemorates Eric Liddell.
Register Notes:
This tartan has been created to celebrate the life, sporting & community achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures, Eric Liddell. The design takes inspiration from elements of the Dalziel tartan. The numbers 100 and 24 are included in the threadcount to reference the centenary of his 1924 Olympic success. Colours: yellow, representing gold, represents his gold medal; blue is for Scotland; navy blue for Scottish Rugby & Edinburgh University; red for China; green is intended to represent his family holidays at Carcant & his love of field sports and grey is intended to represent the pain of separation, internment & loss in his life.
Eric Liddell, a name synonymous with athletic prowess and unyielding faith, was born on January 16, 1902, in Tientsin, China, to Scottish missionary parents. Renowned for his exceptional talents as a sprinter, Liddell's journey to fame began at the University of Edinburgh, where his speed on the track quickly garnered attention. He became an international sports hero at the 1924 Paris Olympics, where he famously refused to compete in his favored 100 meters event due to his Christian conviction against running on Sundays. Instead, Liddell switched to the 400 meters, a race he had trained for only marginally, and astonished the world by winning the gold medal, setting a new world record in the process. His athletic achievements were immortalized in the Academy Award-winning film "Chariots of Fire," which vividly portrayed his commitment to both his sport and his faith.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Eric Liddell's life was characterized by his deep sense of duty and compassion. After his Olympic triumphs, he returned to China in 1925 as a missionary, following in his parents' footsteps. There, he dedicated himself to teaching and spreading the Christian faith, serving in various capacities, including as a teacher and sports coach. His dedication to his missionary work persisted even in the face of increasing political instability and the impending threats of war. During World War II, Liddell was interned in a Japanese internment camp, where he continued to inspire and uplift his fellow internees through his unwavering spirit and selflessness. Tragically, his life was cut short when he died of a brain tumor on February 21, 1945, in the internment camp, leaving behind a legacy of faith, resilience, and enduring inspiration. Eric Liddell remains a revered figure, celebrated not only for his remarkable athletic feats but also for his unwavering commitment to his principles and his extraordinary compassion for humanity.
For more on his life, click the photo finish of his historic win at the 1924 Paris Olympics.