God's Joyful Runner

This is the Liddell families' authorized bio, especially from family info from his daughter, Patricia, and sister Jenny.

What this work provides in addition and correction to the movie and Sally Magnusson's book, is more into his Christian character and what made him what he was, not a movie hero, but a Christian who ran for God and country.

What was especially encouraging for me to learn is that what previously had been debunked as myth, that of an American sprinter giving Eric a note prior to an Olympics race, was in fact given to him by an American team trainer. The note quoted from the Bible said: "He that honors Me, I will honor." This could be the epiphetat for Liddell's life and this great book.

Born of Scottish Missionaries to China, Liddell learns to live away from family at an early age. He survives and thrives on athletics, humility, and his faith in Christ. These all continue to grow and develop. While most would claim his Olympic fame of resisting competition on the Sabbath, certainly Eric would always hold to his service as missionary to China, where his earthly life is taken. As the confessional church body I am proud to serve within takes great interest in education of the young, so did Liddell, who said: "It is very hard to build up a church for people who have no literature, where 80% are illiterate. The educationalist must follow on with the evangelist."

One of Eric's university profs said it well of him: "Eric never made you feel he was being holy or superior. He just showed you the better thing to do, and everyone wanted to do it."

Super read of one of the churches and athletics great heroes. Good reference to young!


an excellent depiction of Liddell's life & work   October 16, 1998
 59 out of 61 found this review helpful

Russell Ramsay has done a magnificent job in bringing to print the life of this truly outstanding human being. His athletic prowess was unmatched, but it was his devotion to God and his fellow man which made him so exceptional. The son of a missionary, he spent his formative years in China before returning to school in Britain. Whilst an undergraduate at Edinburgh University, he represented Scotland in Rugby Union. However, under the careful eye of the college athletics coach, he was transformed into a world class sprint champion. By 1924, Liddell and his great rival Harold Abrahams had established themselves as automatic choices for the Paris Olympics.When the schedules were announced, the 100m heats and relay heats were on a sunday. Liddell declined to run on the sabbath and received much criticism in the national press. Finally, a solution was found and he was entered in the 400m, a race in which he had little experience. He made it through to the final and was given no chance against two world record holders. Running in the outside lane, he ran the race of his life to win the most popular gold medal of the games in a new world record time. He also won bronze in the 200m. The following year he retired from athletics to pursue his calling as a missionary in China, where he devoted the rest of his life to the Lord's work. Eric Liddell was a shining example of humanitarian spirit coupled with grace and humility. His legacy can only inspire us to follow our dreams and bring comfort to those who are in need.