# Eric Liddell

> Scottish athlete, sprinter, Olympian, Protestant missionary (1902-1945)

**Wikidata**: [Q317422](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q317422)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Liddell)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/eric-liddell

## Summary
Eric Liddell was a Scottish athlete, sprinter, and Olympian who later became a Protestant missionary, living from 1902 to 1945.

## Biography
- Born: January 16, 1902
- Nationality: Scottish (citizenship: United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland)
- Education: University of Edinburgh
- Known for: Scottish athlete, sprinter, Olympian, Protestant missionary
- Employer(s): University of Edinburgh
- Field(s): Athletics, missionary work

## Contributions
No specific contributions like publications, products, or patents are mentioned in the source material.

## FAQs
- **What was Eric Liddell's most notable achievement?**
  He won a gold medal in the 400-meter race at the 1924 Paris Olympics while refusing to compete on a Sunday.

- **What was Eric Liddell's profession after athletics?**
  After his athletic career, he became a Protestant missionary, serving in China until his death in 1945.

- **Where did Eric Liddell receive his education?**
  He was educated at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

- **What was Eric Liddell's athletic specialty?**
  He was primarily known as a sprinter specializing in the 400-meter race.

## Why They Matter
Eric Liddell's legacy extends beyond his athletic achievements. His decision to withdraw from the 400-meter final at the 1924 Olympics due to religious convictions demonstrated his commitment to his faith, inspiring many and establishing him as a symbol of integrity in sports. His later work as a missionary in China during World War II, where he risked his life to save Chinese children from Japanese forces, highlighted his dedication to humanitarian causes. Without his example, the modern understanding of sportsmanship and religious conviction in athletics might be different, and his humanitarian work during wartime would have been less documented.

## Notable For
- Won gold medal in 400-meter race at 1924 Paris Olympics
- Refused to compete on Sundays due to religious beliefs
- Served as a Protestant missionary in China from 1925 until his death
- Risked his life to save Chinese children during WWII
- Represented Scotland in international athletics competitions

## Body
### Early Life
Eric Liddell was born on January 16, 1902, in Tianjin, China, to Scottish parents. His father was a medical missionary working in China. The family later returned to Scotland, where Liddell attended the University of Edinburgh, where he developed his athletic talents.

### Athletic Career
Liddell was a highly accomplished sprinter, specializing in the 400-meter race. He represented Scotland and the United Kingdom in international competitions. His most notable achievement was winning the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the 1924 Paris Olympics. During the Olympic trials, he discovered that the final was scheduled for a Sunday, which conflicted with his religious beliefs as a devout Protestant. He refused to compete on that day, choosing instead to win the bronze medal in the 200-meter race and later the gold medal in the 400-meter race.

### Education
Liddell received his education at the University of Edinburgh, where he studied physical education and theology. His academic background prepared him for both his athletic pursuits and his later missionary work.

### Missionary Work
After the Olympics, Liddell returned to China and became a Protestant missionary. He served in various locations, including Tianjin and Hong Kong. His work focused on education and community development. During World War II, when Japan occupied China, Liddell risked his life to save Chinese children from Japanese forces by hiding them in his home and providing them with food and shelter.

### Death
Eric Liddell died on February 21, 1945, in a Japanese POW camp in China. His death occurred during the final months of World War II, and his legacy continued to grow after his passing.

### Legacy
Liddell's life and achievements have been celebrated through books, films, and documentaries. His story has inspired generations of athletes and missionaries, demonstrating the importance of integrity, faith, and humanitarian service. His contributions to both sports and humanitarian work have made him one of the most respected figures in Scottish and international history.

## References

1. International Standard Name Identifier
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. Lingua Libre
4. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
5. SNAC
6. Find a Grave
7. BnF authorities
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File