Early Days

A family visit during a furlough from China (Top, L to R: Eric, sister Jenny, brother Robert; Middle: parents Mary and James; Bottom: brother Ernest)

1922

Eric winning a race

1923

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

PHILIPPIANS 3:14

Eric and two other men running on a track.

English Amateur Athletic Association Championships at Stamford Bridge

1923

Eric sitting on a seat carried by a crowd of smiling men in suits.

Eric being paraded through the streets of Edinburgh after his gold medal victory

JULY 17, 1924

Crossing the finish line at the British Empire versus United States of America relay in London

JULY 19, 1924

I run the first 200m as hard as I can. Then, for the second 200m, with God’s help, I run harder.

ERIC LIDDELL

A Family Man

Eric and Florence with their wedding party

MARCH 27, 1934

Eric in a suit and a woman in a dress. Eric is wearing the woman's hat.

Eric’s sense of humor on full display at a friend’s wedding

1934

Eric holding Patricia outside their home in China

WINTER 1935

Eric standing outside a building and wearing a suit with a dark jacket and white pants.

Eric, dressed for work in Tientsin

1938

Bird's eye view of a cluster of buildings flanked by a tall fence.

Siaochang mission outpost where Eric lived and worked with his brother Robert while his family stayed in the safer town of Tientsin

LATE 1930s

In the dust of defeat as well as the laurels of victory there is a glory to be found if one has done his best.

ERIC LIDDELL, quoting an inscription at the University of Pennsylvania

Eric sitting in an armchair in the living room.

Eric relaxing in family home

LATE 1930s

Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ!

ERIC LIDDELL

Eric Liddell

1940s

Family picnic on furlough in Carcant, Scotland

1940

Florence Liddell in Toronto with her three daughters: Patricia, Heather, and Maureen

NOVEMBER 1941

Patricia and Heather admiring their new baby sister, Maureen

1941

Final Words

A message on a transmission form that reads: Large airy room with eleven others. Healthy, enjoying some reading. Constantly remember and picture you all. Dearest love to all, everything sufficient. Longing for you, love. Eric.

Handwritten Red Cross 25-word transmission from Eric to Florence

AUGUST 24, 1944

A typed message on a transmission form that reads: Was carrying too much responsibility. Slight nervous breakdown. Am much better after month's rest in hospital. Doctor suggests changing my work. Giving up teaching and athletics and taking on physical work like baking. A good change. So glad to get your letter of July. Mrs. Longman is much better. Bear and Nelma making preparations for marriage on April 18. Will send particulars later. Wish you could enter into the celebrations. Joyce Stranks has been a great help to me in hospital, keeping me in touch with the news. Enjoying comfort parcels. Special love to yourself and children.

Final message from Eric Liddell, received by Florence after hearing of his death

FEBRUARY 21, 1945