Memorialised in the great British film Chariots of Fire, Eric Liddell is a legend in Scotland, and in China.
In his remarkable life he was a sprinter, rugby player, and missionary. He is remembered for his 400m gold medal at the 1924 Paris Olympics 100 years ago, as well as his refusal to run in his preferred 100m race because it was on a Sunday. Known as The Flying Scotsman, he is also fondly remembered in China. He was born in Tianjin to Scottish missionary parents. After his Olympic triumph, he returned to China as a missionary working at schools and training athletes.
Despite Britain warning all nationals to leave because of the danger posed by the renewed Japanese invasion, Liddell remained in China. In 1943 he was interned by Japan at a camp. He died two years later.
To learn about the remarkable life Eric Liddell lived and the affect he had on China, watch the short video.
