Eric Liddell: The Race of Sacrifice
This is the true story of Eric Liddell, a man who gave his life for others. The story begins in 1924, where we see Eric, a Scottish athlete, win the gold medal in the 400-meter race at the Olympics. Despite his huge achievement, Eric doesn’t want to continue competing in sports. He is a missionary who spreads his faith, and soon leaves for China, where he was born, to teach and preach.
In China, he marries and lives happily, but when the Japanese invade, everything changes. One day, a child from his class is killed during a bombing, leaving Eric heartbroken. His wife and daughters flee the country, but Eric stays behind to help the Chinese people, despite the increasing danger. He moves to a school full of refugees and continues to support them, even teaching a young boy with no family.
Eric’s wife writes to tell him they have had another daughter, bringing him to tears. He throws a small party to celebrate, sharing joy in dark times. Later, when he learns of a hospital in desperate need of medicine, Eric sells his family’s last valuable possession, his heirloom watch, to buy the supplies. Despite strict bans on medicine, Eric manages to smuggle it into the hospital.
The war between Japan and America worsens, and Eric, along with many others, is taken to a camp. There, a Japanese commander challenges Eric to a race, hoping to humiliate him. Eric, weak from years of hardship, is given good food to prepare, but instead of eating it, he gives it to the starving prisoners. In the race, Eric falls from exhaustion, and the commander wins, but Eric’s sacrifice is what truly inspires those around him.
Eventually, Eric’s health begins to fail, and he is confined to a small box underground as punishment. Despite the dire conditions, Eric remains kind and selfless, sharing the little food he has with others. When given a chance to escape, he refuses, choosing to stay and suffer with his fellow prisoners.
In the end, Eric challenges the commander to another race, betting for the chance to bring life-saving medicine for a sick prisoner. Against all odds, weak and malnourished, Eric wins the race. His victory brings hope to the camp, and the medicine he earns saves lives.
Eric Liddell’s selfless life and incredible sacrifice left a lasting legacy, teaching others the true meaning of love, faith, and courage, even in the darkest of times.