The 2024 Olympic Games will mark the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic success at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. As we approach the 2024 Paris Olympics, and in the first of our mini-series looking back at the success of Edinburgh students, alumni and associated athletes at previous games, we feature one of Scotland’s most iconic sporting figures, Eric Liddell. An extraordinary legacy We are extraordinarily proud of the University’s association with Eric Liddell, who was our inaugural Sport Hall of Fame inductee in 2008. 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 yards 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’. After graduating from University, Eric’s life became increasingly dominated by missionary work, particularly in China. The Eric Liddell 100 campaign The Eric Liddell 100 is a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures. It is being planned around 2024, the centenary of Eric Liddell’s historic success at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris. The Eric Liddell 100 Campaign (external site) This article was published on 2024-06-13
