[Principal's Article] Eric Liddell: The Fast Runner Who Chose Faith Over Fame (1902–1945)

When I speak to my students about Christian missionaries, they often imagine someone travelling to a distant country to preach, teach, and serve. But some missionaries begin their journey in a very unexpected way — through sport, public fame, and personal sacrifice. One of the most inspiring Christian missionaries of the early 20th century was Eric Liddell, a Scottish athlete who became famous around the world before choosing a life of mission work in China.

Eric Liddell’s story is powerful because it shows how faith can shape a person’s priorities. He could have lived comfortably as a celebrity. Instead, he followed a path of service and courage, even when it cost him everything.

A Boy Raised with Purpose

Eric Liddell was born in 1902 in Tientsin (Tianjin), China, where his parents were Christian missionaries. This meant that from the beginning of his life, Eric was surrounded by the idea that serving God was not just something you talked about — it was something you did.

As a child, Eric eventually travelled back to Britain for school, like many children of overseas workers at that time. He attended a boarding school in England and later studied in Scotland. But even while he was far from his parents, he kept hold of the Christian faith they had taught him.

He was known for being disciplined, kind, and deeply serious about what he believed.

The Runner Who Wouldn’t Compromise

Eric Liddell became famous for his talent in athletics, especially sprinting. He trained hard and competed at a high level, eventually qualifying for the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

But Eric was not only known for speed — he was known for conviction.

His best event was the 100 metres, but the heats were scheduled on a Sunday. Eric believed strongly that Sunday was a day set apart for worship and rest, and he refused to run. This was not a small decision. He was under pressure from sporting officials, from national pride, and from people who felt he was letting the country down.

In that moment, Eric had a choice:

• obey the expectations of the world

or

• obey his conscience before God.

He chose faith.

Instead of running the 100 metres, Eric switched to the 400 metres, a longer race that wasn’t his strongest. Many people assumed he would fail. But Eric ran with incredible determination and ended up winning the gold medal, setting a new world record.

It became one of the most famous moments in Olympic history — not just because he won, but because he won after choosing principle over popularity.

Fame Wasn’t His Real Goal

After the Olympics, Eric Liddell became a hero. He could have stayed in Britain and enjoyed a life of comfort. He could have used his fame to earn money, travel, and live an easy life.

But Eric believed that his life had a bigger purpose.

In 1925, he returned to China, not as an athlete, but as a missionary teacher. This decision shocked many people. Why would someone walk away from international success?

Eric’s answer was simple: he wanted to serve God and help others.

In China, he worked with students, taught science and sports, and lived among local communities. He wasn’t interested in being treated like a celebrity. He wanted to be useful — someone who could encourage young people, share the Christian message, and help build stronger lives.

Serving in a Dangerous Time

The early 20th century was a difficult time in China. The country experienced political instability, conflict, and eventually the rise of war with Japan. Life became more dangerous for many families, including missionaries.

Eric Liddell continued his work even as conditions worsened. He married Florence Mackenzie, and they had children. But the situation in China became increasingly unsafe. Many foreigners left, but Eric stayed longer than most, helping where he could.

Eventually, during World War II, Eric was captured by the Japanese and placed in an internment camp in Weixian.

This part of his story is where his missionary spirit shines the brightest.

A Missionary in a Prison Camp

The camp was crowded, uncomfortable, and full of fear. People were hungry, stressed, and uncertain about the future. Many became hopeless.

But Eric became a source of strength.

In the camp, he helped organise activities for children, taught lessons, supported the elderly, and tried to keep peace during arguments. People later described him as humble, patient, and consistently kind. He didn’t act like a famous Olympic champion. He acted like a servant.

Even in hardship, Eric lived out his faith in practical ways:

• encouraging people who were anxious

• sharing food when supplies were low

• giving his time to others instead of protecting himself

• remaining calm and hopeful when others panicked

His mission did not end when he lost freedom. In a way, it became even more powerful.

His Final Sacrifice

In 1945, Eric Liddell died in the camp at the age of 43, likely from a brain haemorrhage. He never returned home. He never saw the end of the war. He never got to live the comfortable life he could have chosen.

But those who knew him said his life was not a tragedy — it was a testimony.

Eric’s story teaches a challenging lesson: success is not the same as purpose. He proved himself in front of the world, but his greatest work happened quietly, among ordinary people, in places where nobody was applauding.

Why Eric Liddell Still Matters

Eric Liddell is remembered not just because he ran fast, but because he lived faithfully. He showed that Christian mission is not always about dramatic speeches or public attention. Sometimes it is about small daily decisions — kindness, integrity, service, and courage.

For students today, Eric’s life raises important questions:

• What do you value most: success or character?

• What will you do when your beliefs cost you something?

• Can you serve others even when life is difficult?

Eric Liddell’s answer was clear. He lived for God, not for applause — and that is why his legacy still inspires the world.