'Let us not grow weary in standing firm for what is right'
AS I SEE IT
By Rev. Jim Innes
Eric’s nerves were vibrating rapidly as he looked around the formal marble ceremonial room used during the Olympic Games in Paris, 1924.
History seemed to bounce off the walls. He felt the weight of his country’s expectations that he would win a gold medal, something he had trained hard to achieve.
Before him stood the stern figure of the Prince of Wales (future King Edward VIII) and the imposing chair of the Olympic committee. Their eyes were fixed on him with a mixture of expectation and disbelief.
Eric, a Scottish athlete known for his unwavering values, refused to compete in the 100-metre event he had trained for because it was scheduled on the Sabbath, a day he strictly dedicated to worship and rest. Rooted in his Christian faith, he stood firm in his commitment, even as the world watched and pressured him to reconsider.
“Eric,” the Prince of Wales began, his tone smooth but urgent, “your country needs you. It is your duty to compete tomorrow.”
At that time, Britain was eager to prove itself on the world stage through sporting achievements. The Olympic Games were highly publicized, and athletes like Eric were seen as representatives not just of their teams but of their entire country.
Eric was still. He understood the hopes of the crowd waiting, and he knew they had high expectations of him to bring them some honour on the world stage. On top of that, the Olympic Games had always been his dream calling, closer now than ever. However, today another voice was insisting that he stick to his decision, a voice of conscience and belief.
In that quiet, pensive moment, a flicker of frustration and contempt swept the room. “You would put your beliefs above your king and country?” demanded the committee chair.
Emboldened by a deep conviction, he stood resolute, “Sir, I cannot run on the Sabbath. My faith, my God, forbids it.”
Eric Liddell’s courage to stand up for his beliefs, even in the face of such immense pressure, is the very reason I chose to recount this moment from his life as an Olympian. His unwavering conviction truly demonstrated the gold standard of success.
Eric was ablaze with conviction. It not only fueled his resolve and moral courage, but also his achievements later in the games when he set a new Olympic record in the 400 m race, a distance not considered his strong suit.
As I see it, his example shows how true convictions ignite a determination within us all, pushing us to achieve more than we ever thought possible.
An interesting aspect of this story is shown in the movie ‘Chariots of Fire’: a track coach, observing Eric’s running style and speaking out of earshot, remarks that Eric is better suited to long-distance running than to shorter races. It reminds us of the sentiment… “Let us not grow weary in standing firm for what is right, for in due time we will see the good that comes from holding true to our convictions.” (Galatians 6:9).
Rev. Jim Innes is the rector of St. John's, Grand Bend with St. Anne's, Port Franks.