Aussie Marty Woods in Paris as part of a campaign for Christian witness during the Olympic games barracks for Eric Liddell 100 years late.
At Paris 1924, Christian sprinter Eric Liddell put his faith before his passion for athletics by going to church and missing the 100 metres qualifier. His inspirational story was retold in the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’. Eric’s reward came days later when he won the gold medal in the 400 metres.
“I believe God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast,” said Eric Liddell, who went on to die in an internment camp in China during WWII serving as a missionary.
He chose to do this to be obedient to his belief that Sunday was the Sabbath – a day of rest. Rather than being on the track that day and running in the heats of the 100 metres, he preached a sermon at the Scots Church in Paris.
5 days later – on 11th July 1924, Eric ran in the final of the 400 metres and won Gold. You can watch that race here.
“I have no formula for winning the race. Everyone runs in her own way, or his own way,” Liddell said. “And where does the power come from, to see the race to its end? From within. Jesus said, ‘Behold, the Kingdom of God is within you. If with all your hearts, you truly seek me, you shall ever surely find me.’ If you commit yourself to the love of Christ, then that is how you run a straight race.”
Image: Eric Liddell wins 400m in Paris 1924. Image Credit: getarchive.com