Eric Liddell was an Olympic champion. His story is depicted in the famous movie, Chariots of Fire. He was an ardent believer who sought God first and foremost. As a Scottish young man living in the post-World war I days, he spent his time training for the 100m race and also in evangelizing his local community.
He was a man of strong faith. He literally believed in the practice of keeping the lord's day holy. He had taken a solemn oath that he would not race on a Sunday.
And then the Paris Olympics of 1924 came. Eric was the favorite for the 100m dash. Unfortunately, he learnt that the race fell on a Sunday. There was tremendous pressure on him to race. There were people calling him names, accusing him of disloyalty towards his country and abusing him as a coward.
But he stood his ground. He had made his vow. Eric's decision may not be appropriate for my sense of faith and spirituality. But I do appreciate the way he stood his ground to fulfill his convictions.
Eric was soon told that a spot in 400m opened up. He had never practiced for such a race. It's unimaginable for someone like Eric to race in a longer distance race against men who have specialized in it and have spent their athletic career practicing for it.
But he decided to take the plunge. While he was in Paris, someone slipped a note into his pocket. It said the following verse.
The champion of 1924 Olympics was none other than Eric Liddell. He is remembered to this day as the man who stood his ground for his faith and walked away as champion in a miraculous race.
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