Eric's Greatest Race

Eric Liddell: The Runner Who Wouldn't Run

Most athletes dream of winning Olympic gold. Eric Liddell was willing to walk away from it.

Born in China to missionary parents, Eric grew up to become one of Scotland's fastest runners. When he qualified for the 1924 Olympic Games, many expected him to win the 100-meter race. But when he discovered the event would be held on a Sunday, he made the difficult decision not to compete. Convinced that honoring God mattered more than a medal, Eric withdrew from his best event and entered the 400-meter race instead. Not only did he win gold—he set a new world record.

But Eric's story didn't end at the finish line.

Rather than pursuing fame, he returned to China as a missionary, serving the people he loved. During World War II, Eric was imprisoned in a Japanese internment camp, where he became known for his kindness, selflessness, and unwavering faith. Whether organizing games for children, helping struggling families, or encouraging fellow prisoners, Eric continued serving others even under difficult circumstances.

Told in an engaging graphic-novel format, Eric's Greatest Race introduces your child to a remarkable man whose life was shaped by conviction, courage, and faith. Combining history, biography, and inspiring storytelling, this book shows that sometimes the most important victories happen far from the spotlight.

Whether your child enjoys sports, missionary stories, or biographies of people who stood firm in their beliefs, Eric's Greatest Race offers a memorable look at a man who chose faithfulness over fame.