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The Final Race
On July 19, 1924, Eric Liddell was on top of the world.
He was the most famous Briton at the time, having just won the gold in the Olympic 400-meter race. The story of that race--and the one he didn't run--was told in the popular movie classic Chariots of Fire.
But what most of us don't know is what became of Eric Liddell in the years after the credits rolled. As the storm clouds of World War II rolled in, Eric had already made decisions in his life that gave him the resilience to stand tall while others fell into despair. His strength of character led him to choose an uncertain future in China during World War II in order to continue helping the Chinese. He lived purposefully even as his world crumbled and he experienced the horror and deprivations of a Japanese internment camp.
Eric's story is a story of hope in the face of uncertainty, resilience in the face of unspeakable odds, and inspiring vision of what life means, even when the final hour comes.
The first race you run isn't your most important one. It's the final race that matters most.
You won't want to miss this story of an Olympian who chose the better way.
He was the most famous Briton at the time, having just won the gold in the Olympic 400-meter race. The story of that race--and the one he didn't run--was told in the popular movie classic Chariots of Fire.
But what most of us don't know is what became of Eric Liddell in the years after the credits rolled. As the storm clouds of World War II rolled in, Eric had already made decisions in his life that gave him the resilience to stand tall while others fell into despair. His strength of character led him to choose an uncertain future in China during World War II in order to continue helping the Chinese. He lived purposefully even as his world crumbled and he experienced the horror and deprivations of a Japanese internment camp.
Eric's story is a story of hope in the face of uncertainty, resilience in the face of unspeakable odds, and inspiring vision of what life means, even when the final hour comes.
The first race you run isn't your most important one. It's the final race that matters most.
You won't want to miss this story of an Olympian who chose the better way.
288 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2018
39 people are currently reading
1537 people want to read
About the author
Eric T. Eichinger
4 books21 followersEric Eichinger is an ordained minister in the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. He holds degrees from Michigan State University (BA), where he ran varsity track & field, and Concordia Seminary (MDiv). Prior to his pastoral call, he served with World Mission for two years in China. Some of his additional writing can be found in the GodConnects series, where he wrote with a team of writers for The Lutheran Hour. He is currently senior pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Florida, and resides in the Tampa Bay area. He and his wife, Kara, have three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 25, 2023
Audible Plus 7 hours 29 min. Narrated by Lloyd James (B)
This biography was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend, and I am so glad that he took time to call it to my attention. A good recommendation and a free book... I am twice blessed. I was familiar with Eric Liddell's life after watching the movie Chariots Of Fire (1981). I must have read later about his service as a missionary in China and his death there. The primary writer of this biography Eric T. Eichinger is quite honest about his high regard for Liddell's life and service. While. I could fault him for using his creative writing skills in a biography, I think it leads to a more fleshed out portrayal of Liddell. Eichinger is a pastor with an obvious love for the Lord, His Word, and a heart for sharing the gospel just like the man about whom is writing..This biography is quite inspiring, and it refreshed my soul. The verses of scripture that were used to introduce each chapter were carefully selected.
This biography was recommended to me by a Goodreads friend, and I am so glad that he took time to call it to my attention. A good recommendation and a free book... I am twice blessed. I was familiar with Eric Liddell's life after watching the movie Chariots Of Fire (1981). I must have read later about his service as a missionary in China and his death there. The primary writer of this biography Eric T. Eichinger is quite honest about his high regard for Liddell's life and service. While. I could fault him for using his creative writing skills in a biography, I think it leads to a more fleshed out portrayal of Liddell. Eichinger is a pastor with an obvious love for the Lord, His Word, and a heart for sharing the gospel just like the man about whom is writing..This biography is quite inspiring, and it refreshed my soul. The verses of scripture that were used to introduce each chapter were carefully selected.
October 31, 2020
An individual’s moments or seasons of fame are, for the most part, a minor part of their biography. Though we may remember them for that “great act” or “world-renowned accomplishment,” if we were to ask them, “What would you have us remember?” the answer might be very different. Something seemingly mundane. Something radically ordinary. This book tells the story of such a man. Eric Liddell is remembered by most for his refusal to run on the Sabbath in the 1924 Olympics, and for his gold-medal victory in the 400-meter race. The movie, “Chariots of Fire,” tells that story of the young man’s life.
I suspect however, that Eric would have us remember him for something else: for his unflinching commitment to preach the Gospel, for his vocation as husband and father, and for the missionary work that he did in China before his death during World War II. That unsung part of Eric’s life is the focus of The Final Race. This book draws you into his biography and faith, reveals the humble heart of this man, and keeps you riveted to the final page. Thank God for Eric Liddell. And thank God for Eric Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson for telling us his story with such beauty and truth.
I suspect however, that Eric would have us remember him for something else: for his unflinching commitment to preach the Gospel, for his vocation as husband and father, and for the missionary work that he did in China before his death during World War II. That unsung part of Eric’s life is the focus of The Final Race. This book draws you into his biography and faith, reveals the humble heart of this man, and keeps you riveted to the final page. Thank God for Eric Liddell. And thank God for Eric Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson for telling us his story with such beauty and truth.
July 15, 2024
You can't go wrong reading any of the Eric Liddell biographies, because the subject matter is so good - a story of the life of one of the most Christ-like mortals to ever walk on this earth. His personal life shows a man who put others before himself, who spread cheer and good will. His public life started when he because Scotland's most amazing athlete - an Olympic gold medalist whose story was portrayed in the movie "Chariots of Gold." His spiritual life controlled everything else, and his fame was not just his athletic accomplishments, but more about his years after that, when he chose to live in China as a missionary, was interred in a prison camp by the Japanese in WW2, how he helped make that period of time survivable for the others, and how much he was revered and honored at his death.
March 14, 2018
I can still remember the first time I watched the movie Chariots of Fire in the early 1980s. Belonging to a Reformed Presbyterian denomination steeped in Scottish heritage and sabbath-keeping, I was overcome with emotion at many points in the movie. And believe me, I’m no sports fan. The only time you’ll catch me running anywhere, I’m sure it’s because something in the kitchen is burning or I got up too late for church ... again.
So what captured my interest in Eric Liddell’s story? His commitment to his faith, even when it was inconvenient, gripped me throughout the movie. What I didn’t understand then, though, was that his commitment went well beyond his victories in the 1924 Olympics. Those closing words on the movie screen in Chariots of Fire shocked and saddened me when I first saw them: “Eric Liddell, missionary, died in occupied China at the end of Word War II. All of Scotland mourned.”
Those words were an abrupt shift from the previous scene of Liddell, climbing into the back of a car, after getting off the train that brought the U.K. Olympians home, amid the cheering throngs. Those words were sobering. I felt as if the real story still needed to be told—that the 1924 Olympic Games were only a blip on the radar of Liddell’s life. There had to be a story there that was worth telling.
Turns out I was right. And I’m so glad that Eric T. Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson have decided to tell the rest of Liddell’s story in The Final Race. When Eva told me about this project last summer, I immediately preordered it on Amazon and, in the ensuing months, checked for any updates on the release date. Mid-March couldn’t get here soon enough. And, I was not disappointed.
In The Final Race, there is enough of Liddell’s early life and those Olympic victories to remind me why I still place Chariots of Fire high on my list of favorite movies. The book corrects a few of the movie’s details (which I appreciated for their own sake) and adds a few more. But it’s beyond that point in time where this book truly shines.
The writing itself yanks you in and keeps you engaged, in ways that many nonfiction books never achieve. The writing is almost lyrical in spots, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I can easily get lost in novels for hours this way, but it’s a rare nonfiction book that pulls me inside so thoroughly. I’d been waiting for this story for a long, long time.
Liddell’s story beyond those Olympic Games was not an easy one. Without blinking an eye, he gave up the fame that his amazing athletic skill (and unorthodox style) had brought him. He saw the advantage in speaking up for his faith for a time after the games, pairing up with D.P. Thomson, but he always felt missionary work in China calling him. I’m in awe of Liddell’s ability to walk away from everything he’d come to know in order to preach Christ and Him crucified in a dangerous land.
And Eichinger and Everson do his amazing story justice as they tell it to us.
I’ve waited more than thirty years to hear the rest of Eric Liddell’s story—the part of his story that gave God as much glory as Liddell’s running victories ever did. Now, with The Final Race, I learned what really became of Eric Liddell. I can’t wait to meet him in heaven and say, as I’m sure God Himself has been saying to him since 1945: Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
So what captured my interest in Eric Liddell’s story? His commitment to his faith, even when it was inconvenient, gripped me throughout the movie. What I didn’t understand then, though, was that his commitment went well beyond his victories in the 1924 Olympics. Those closing words on the movie screen in Chariots of Fire shocked and saddened me when I first saw them: “Eric Liddell, missionary, died in occupied China at the end of Word War II. All of Scotland mourned.”
Those words were an abrupt shift from the previous scene of Liddell, climbing into the back of a car, after getting off the train that brought the U.K. Olympians home, amid the cheering throngs. Those words were sobering. I felt as if the real story still needed to be told—that the 1924 Olympic Games were only a blip on the radar of Liddell’s life. There had to be a story there that was worth telling.
Turns out I was right. And I’m so glad that Eric T. Eichinger and Eva Marie Everson have decided to tell the rest of Liddell’s story in The Final Race. When Eva told me about this project last summer, I immediately preordered it on Amazon and, in the ensuing months, checked for any updates on the release date. Mid-March couldn’t get here soon enough. And, I was not disappointed.
In The Final Race, there is enough of Liddell’s early life and those Olympic victories to remind me why I still place Chariots of Fire high on my list of favorite movies. The book corrects a few of the movie’s details (which I appreciated for their own sake) and adds a few more. But it’s beyond that point in time where this book truly shines.
The writing itself yanks you in and keeps you engaged, in ways that many nonfiction books never achieve. The writing is almost lyrical in spots, and I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I can easily get lost in novels for hours this way, but it’s a rare nonfiction book that pulls me inside so thoroughly. I’d been waiting for this story for a long, long time.
Liddell’s story beyond those Olympic Games was not an easy one. Without blinking an eye, he gave up the fame that his amazing athletic skill (and unorthodox style) had brought him. He saw the advantage in speaking up for his faith for a time after the games, pairing up with D.P. Thomson, but he always felt missionary work in China calling him. I’m in awe of Liddell’s ability to walk away from everything he’d come to know in order to preach Christ and Him crucified in a dangerous land.
And Eichinger and Everson do his amazing story justice as they tell it to us.
I’ve waited more than thirty years to hear the rest of Eric Liddell’s story—the part of his story that gave God as much glory as Liddell’s running victories ever did. Now, with The Final Race, I learned what really became of Eric Liddell. I can’t wait to meet him in heaven and say, as I’m sure God Himself has been saying to him since 1945: Well done, thou good and faithful servant.
April 19, 2018
Eric Liddell won the 1924 400 meter race at the Olympics. He is well known for this, but is better known for the one he did not run. It was a Sunday, he was a son of a missionary.
He became a missionary to China, married had three daughters. This is the story of that life. The life of a missionary in China. A family man who waited for his bride to finish nursing school. A man who sent his family home before they were captured and interned in a Japanese internment camp. The story of how he taught, inspired and led the people in this camp.
He became a missionary to China, married had three daughters. This is the story of that life. The life of a missionary in China. A family man who waited for his bride to finish nursing school. A man who sent his family home before they were captured and interned in a Japanese internment camp. The story of how he taught, inspired and led the people in this camp.
September 26, 2018
Most are familiar with the story told in Chariots of Fire, as I was, although I never watched the complete movie. For those biography fans, this was a really good book telling the rest of the story. It's a story of great personal sacrifice and a model for putting other's interests before our own and seeking your own calling in life.
February 15, 2023
There is SO much more to the story of Eric Liddell than being an Olympic runner. The majority of this book chronicles his work and sacrifices as a missionary in China. I enjoyed learning more about his story and faith
February 4, 2019
Inspiring! It had been a long time since I read a biography of Eric Liddell, and this one was very well written. My only objection was that I took issue with the author's frequent use of the words "legalistic" and "legalism" in reference to Eric. In my opinion, he had convictions--and obviously the courage of his convictions--and held to them. Does that make his beliefs legalistic? Otherwise, an excellent biography, and I am so glad to have read it.
April 18, 2024
5+ stars! So incredibly encouraging! What a beautiful life lived for Christ!
July 18, 2018
Chariots of Fire was just the beginning of the story of Eric Liddell, the Olympian who refused to run on a Sunday. In The Final Race, Eric T. Eichinger captures the climax and conclusion of Liddell’s epic life.
But he didn’t do it alone. He partnered with bestselling novelist Eva Marie Everson to produce a book that is truly remarkable.
I first met Eric Eichinger in 2000 when we were both serving in China. Every Sunday, expats like us met in Connie Mom’s home for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Lunch and lots of laughter were always thrown in too.
Even then, he was a huge fan of the gold-medalist who shared his love for China, running, and, above all, the Lord. But Eichinger’s admiration grew when he traveled to Weihsien where Liddell had lived and died. “Somewhere on my return home from that pilgrimage, I knew I had to tell the story in a way that had not yet been done” (p. xiii).
After that fateful trip, Eichinger began writing the screenplay sequel to Chariots of Fire. Then he teamed up with award-winning Everson to write the book version, The Final Race: The Incredible World War II Story of the Olympian Who Inspired Chariots of Fire. Now he’s working with Howie Klausner, the producer known for writing Space Cowboys, to adapt the screenplay.
I can’t imagine anyone more perfectly primed to tell Liddell’s story than Eichinger. In his own words, he describes the passions and pursuits that characterize both their lives.
“As an eight-year-old Christian possessing the same first name as that of the Flying Scotsman and sharing a zeal for running, I became an instant fanatic of Eric Liddell by watching Chariots of Fire.
I thought the parallels ended there, yet at that time my race had barely begun. Amazingly enough, I also happened to run collegiately. I served in my church’s youth ministry, and I served as a missionary in China, where, like Eric, I met my wife. I went on to study theology and ultimately became a pastor and a writer” (pp. 259-260).
Full of the ups and downs of following in the footsteps of Christ, The Final Race inspires you to surrender all. Thoroughly researched and excellently written, Eichinger’s passion for the subject sparkles on every page. This brilliant biography about one of our finest brothers in Christ deserves a prominent place on every Christian’s bookshelf.
Published by Tyndale, The Final Race is available in hardcover, as an Audiobook, and as a Kindle book. I especially recommend it to people who enjoy history, biographies, and missionary memoirs.
But he didn’t do it alone. He partnered with bestselling novelist Eva Marie Everson to produce a book that is truly remarkable.
I first met Eric Eichinger in 2000 when we were both serving in China. Every Sunday, expats like us met in Connie Mom’s home for prayer, worship, and Bible study. Lunch and lots of laughter were always thrown in too.
Even then, he was a huge fan of the gold-medalist who shared his love for China, running, and, above all, the Lord. But Eichinger’s admiration grew when he traveled to Weihsien where Liddell had lived and died. “Somewhere on my return home from that pilgrimage, I knew I had to tell the story in a way that had not yet been done” (p. xiii).
After that fateful trip, Eichinger began writing the screenplay sequel to Chariots of Fire. Then he teamed up with award-winning Everson to write the book version, The Final Race: The Incredible World War II Story of the Olympian Who Inspired Chariots of Fire. Now he’s working with Howie Klausner, the producer known for writing Space Cowboys, to adapt the screenplay.
I can’t imagine anyone more perfectly primed to tell Liddell’s story than Eichinger. In his own words, he describes the passions and pursuits that characterize both their lives.
“As an eight-year-old Christian possessing the same first name as that of the Flying Scotsman and sharing a zeal for running, I became an instant fanatic of Eric Liddell by watching Chariots of Fire.
I thought the parallels ended there, yet at that time my race had barely begun. Amazingly enough, I also happened to run collegiately. I served in my church’s youth ministry, and I served as a missionary in China, where, like Eric, I met my wife. I went on to study theology and ultimately became a pastor and a writer” (pp. 259-260).
Full of the ups and downs of following in the footsteps of Christ, The Final Race inspires you to surrender all. Thoroughly researched and excellently written, Eichinger’s passion for the subject sparkles on every page. This brilliant biography about one of our finest brothers in Christ deserves a prominent place on every Christian’s bookshelf.
Published by Tyndale, The Final Race is available in hardcover, as an Audiobook, and as a Kindle book. I especially recommend it to people who enjoy history, biographies, and missionary memoirs.
February 1, 2019
I hate to say that this was boring, but it kinda was. I thought it would be a lot more about his time during WWII (which is what interested me about it in the first place), but we don't get to that until about 75% in. I mean, he's still got a great story, I just didn't care for this book that much. I've never seen "Chariots of Fire," but I do plan to watch it relatively soon now, after reading this book.
October 2, 2021
I listened to this book on mp3.
This is a story that I only knew a little about from the film "Chariots of Fire." Eric Liddell refused to run on Sundays, and so did not qualify for his main race, the 100 meters in the Paris Olympics in 1924. He did win the gold in the much longer 400 meter race.
But that is the extent of what i knew about him. He lived another 21 years past this event, which did make him famous in the United Kingdom, in particular in Scotland, his home.
But he ended up being a missionary in China. The story of his life and his faith makes for a moving and interesting tale.
Having been raised in a Protestant faith, the milieu of this religious world did not seem unknown to me. It might be off-putting for some. To me, regardless of one's faith, there is still much to learn about a person following their faith and seeing how it affects their decisions. On the flip side, the book is meant to serve a didactic purpose, and one must always keep that in mind.
I am assuming that some of the conversations related in the book are from personal reminiscences or from other works. Attribution is usually not provided, although perhaps this is so in the print work. At least when letters are cited, you know that the words being cited are accurate.
Some background is provided for the history of China at this time. The missionaries tended to live in their compounds and their main work seemed to be providing schools, medical care, and of course church services. This part of the story is what interested me the most: the living conditions of the people, how they reacted to the missionaries, and to the changing political landscape in their country.
Because Eric became famous, he was recruited from a young age to be a public speaker in support of "muscular Christianity." This tension ran throughout his life, when, if he returned to Scotland, he might be expected to speak.
What is clear is that Eric based his decisions on his faith in God, and obviously his prayers with God.
He seems to have been consistently true to his faith.
Once he is interred in a Japanese prison camp during WWII, his influence there seems to have been substantial. His roommates created a sign that could be flipped over that said "Eric is in" or "Eric is out" so that they didn't have to answer knocks on the door from people looking for him. Life in the camp is described in some detail. The disagreements among internees is another fascinating part of the book.
I like stories like these that build up my sense of history and how people go about making their way in life and what they use to make decisions.
This is a story that I only knew a little about from the film "Chariots of Fire." Eric Liddell refused to run on Sundays, and so did not qualify for his main race, the 100 meters in the Paris Olympics in 1924. He did win the gold in the much longer 400 meter race.
But that is the extent of what i knew about him. He lived another 21 years past this event, which did make him famous in the United Kingdom, in particular in Scotland, his home.
But he ended up being a missionary in China. The story of his life and his faith makes for a moving and interesting tale.
Having been raised in a Protestant faith, the milieu of this religious world did not seem unknown to me. It might be off-putting for some. To me, regardless of one's faith, there is still much to learn about a person following their faith and seeing how it affects their decisions. On the flip side, the book is meant to serve a didactic purpose, and one must always keep that in mind.
I am assuming that some of the conversations related in the book are from personal reminiscences or from other works. Attribution is usually not provided, although perhaps this is so in the print work. At least when letters are cited, you know that the words being cited are accurate.
Some background is provided for the history of China at this time. The missionaries tended to live in their compounds and their main work seemed to be providing schools, medical care, and of course church services. This part of the story is what interested me the most: the living conditions of the people, how they reacted to the missionaries, and to the changing political landscape in their country.
Because Eric became famous, he was recruited from a young age to be a public speaker in support of "muscular Christianity." This tension ran throughout his life, when, if he returned to Scotland, he might be expected to speak.
What is clear is that Eric based his decisions on his faith in God, and obviously his prayers with God.
He seems to have been consistently true to his faith.
Once he is interred in a Japanese prison camp during WWII, his influence there seems to have been substantial. His roommates created a sign that could be flipped over that said "Eric is in" or "Eric is out" so that they didn't have to answer knocks on the door from people looking for him. Life in the camp is described in some detail. The disagreements among internees is another fascinating part of the book.
I like stories like these that build up my sense of history and how people go about making their way in life and what they use to make decisions.
March 27, 2024
Those of us (like myself) who saw the 1980 film "Chariots Of Fire" may think we know Eric Liddell. However, from the film, we only know one small slice of the man - a slice he would probably say was of lesser importance...
How can being a gold medal winner at the olympic games, on top of declaring to the world that his committment to God superceded the schedule of what is to almost every athlete the pinnacle of athletic competition, be considered of lesser importance?
This book will answer that question!
In "The Final Race" you will experience, through the eyes of gifted writer, and pastor, Eric Eichinger, the complete life story of the man known to many as 'The Flying Scott.' It will become clear from almost the first starting pistol's discharge, however, that what was of utmost importance to Eric Liddel was not running but being an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, wherever and whenever God gave him the opportunity and strength - first and foremost for China. In Eric's own words: "Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ."
As Eric (the author) conveys us though the chronicle of Eric (the missionary, pastor, teacher, athlete...) be prepared to both cheer and weep. The events which follow Olympic victory are filled with separation, hardship, and sacrifice. Eric Liddell re-defined for us what it means to have a 'servant's heart;' and in service to others he often sacrificed self: physically - emotionally - literally. ...and he never took any credit for doing so. He often said: "When you speak of me, give the glory to my master, Jesus Christ."
By our estimation, the life of Rev. Eric Henry Liddell was too short - just barely 43 years old when he "completed his race."
At a memorial service his colleague A.P. Cullen reminded those in attendance that "We are here to give thanks to God for the life so finely lived, the fight so nobly fought, the race so cleanly run...and to find renewed inspiration for ourselves in the example that Eric Liddell left us."
As you read "The Final Race" consider what the author writes in his Epilogue:
"The Legacy of Eric Liddell is...to run [our] race of faith and to share [our] faith as best we can...Our 'final race' is before us with a great prize realized within the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life that abounds for all through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."
...and Eric's final words, spoken with his last breath in this life: "it's complete surrender to God..."
If there were more than 5 stars to give in review of this book I would give them!
How can being a gold medal winner at the olympic games, on top of declaring to the world that his committment to God superceded the schedule of what is to almost every athlete the pinnacle of athletic competition, be considered of lesser importance?
This book will answer that question!
In "The Final Race" you will experience, through the eyes of gifted writer, and pastor, Eric Eichinger, the complete life story of the man known to many as 'The Flying Scott.' It will become clear from almost the first starting pistol's discharge, however, that what was of utmost importance to Eric Liddel was not running but being an ambassador for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, wherever and whenever God gave him the opportunity and strength - first and foremost for China. In Eric's own words: "Christ for the world, for the world needs Christ."
As Eric (the author) conveys us though the chronicle of Eric (the missionary, pastor, teacher, athlete...) be prepared to both cheer and weep. The events which follow Olympic victory are filled with separation, hardship, and sacrifice. Eric Liddell re-defined for us what it means to have a 'servant's heart;' and in service to others he often sacrificed self: physically - emotionally - literally. ...and he never took any credit for doing so. He often said: "When you speak of me, give the glory to my master, Jesus Christ."
By our estimation, the life of Rev. Eric Henry Liddell was too short - just barely 43 years old when he "completed his race."
At a memorial service his colleague A.P. Cullen reminded those in attendance that "We are here to give thanks to God for the life so finely lived, the fight so nobly fought, the race so cleanly run...and to find renewed inspiration for ourselves in the example that Eric Liddell left us."
As you read "The Final Race" consider what the author writes in his Epilogue:
"The Legacy of Eric Liddell is...to run [our] race of faith and to share [our] faith as best we can...Our 'final race' is before us with a great prize realized within the forgiveness of sins, and eternal life that abounds for all through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ."
...and Eric's final words, spoken with his last breath in this life: "it's complete surrender to God..."
If there were more than 5 stars to give in review of this book I would give them!
March 6, 2019
Eric Liddell, Scottish Olympic runner, won gold for Great Britain in 1924 in the 400 meter. A devout Christian, he decided not to run in the 100 meter heats (his specialty) as they were held on Sunday. The movie "Chariots of Fire" was based on that experience.
Liddell was born to missionary parents who were serving in China. When a young boy, he and his older brother were sent to England to boarding school where they had intermittent contact with their family until they finished school. In college at the University of Edinburgh, Liddell played rugby and ran. After the Olympics, Liddell returned to China to continue his family's missionary service as a teacher. He also completed an advanced degree, married his sweetheart and started a family, and moved the family back to China.
In 1941, the Japanese in China were becoming increasingly aggressive; Liddell sent his family back to Canada. Liddell was eventually interred by the Japanese in a camp in China and there later died.
This story chronicles Liddell's life, his character, and service.
Liddell was born to missionary parents who were serving in China. When a young boy, he and his older brother were sent to England to boarding school where they had intermittent contact with their family until they finished school. In college at the University of Edinburgh, Liddell played rugby and ran. After the Olympics, Liddell returned to China to continue his family's missionary service as a teacher. He also completed an advanced degree, married his sweetheart and started a family, and moved the family back to China.
In 1941, the Japanese in China were becoming increasingly aggressive; Liddell sent his family back to Canada. Liddell was eventually interred by the Japanese in a camp in China and there later died.
This story chronicles Liddell's life, his character, and service.
July 11, 2023
This author relied too much on other author's biographies of Eric Liddell instead of doing his own original research. Just check the footnotes at the end of the book...(and, BTW, footnotes ALWAYS should go at the bottom of the page, not at the end of a chapter, and not at the end of the book. It's a sign of a cost-cutting or lazy publisher when you find footnotes anywhere but at the bottom of the page.) But he did interview Liddell's daughters and family for some of the background material to write this book. It is an interesting book of an highly interesting man who was willing to take a stand for Christ and his convictions.
Unfortunately, there is no clear account of Liddell's conversion where he accepted Christ as his Saviour. There should have been, and it would have made this a better book. Also the fictional accounts at the beginning of each chapter were unnecessary, and didn't add anything worthwhile to the book.
Most of this material can be found in other biographies of Liddell. If you have them, I wouldn't waste money on this one.
Unfortunately, there is no clear account of Liddell's conversion where he accepted Christ as his Saviour. There should have been, and it would have made this a better book. Also the fictional accounts at the beginning of each chapter were unnecessary, and didn't add anything worthwhile to the book.
Most of this material can be found in other biographies of Liddell. If you have them, I wouldn't waste money on this one.
March 12, 2022
A solid biography which picks up where "Chariots of Fire" left off. I must say, Eric Liddell's life after the 1924 Olympics is far more interesting than the movie (which, according to this book, was only partially correct). He was a tireless teacher/missionary in China from the mid-1920s till the early 1940s. The last portion of the book is an account of his life in an internment camp in China controlled by the Japanese. His life there was bad but not as brutal as other books I've read. Eric Liddell was a man completely sold out to Christ, completely overtaken by His Spirit in everything he did and said. He eventually and suddenly dies in the camp. The book does not say, but based on the description and the speed in which the tumor grew, it is likely he had a glioblastoma brain tumor, which is the deadest form of cancer, particular in 1945, particularly in a backwater interment camp in China. Overall, this book is a testament to the power of a life completely sold out to God.
June 27, 2020
So the title is a bit misleading. This is the WWII story of Eric Liddell, but I expected a chapter or two giving a brief overview of his life then the entire rest of the book would be about the WWII story. Not so. It's a straightforward biography of Liddell with the WWII section encompassing the very end of the book. It's fine, but now you know. Written by a clergyman & runner, Liddell's life & choices are seen through the prism of his "muscular Christianity" & racing metaphors abound. Again, not a problem, just an observation. A reader uncomfortable with the emphasis on his faith might not enjoy the book, but I found it interesting, and if a bit labored in places, still quite inspiring. He was definitely an engaging man who led a full and varied life & it was interesting to learn of his life before & after the Olympics section of it.
July 11, 2019
I've always found Eric Liddell's story inspiring, and this account of his life continuing after his Olympic testimony was even more so. In fact, it was personally challenging. I often felt myself impatient for him... having to wait so many years to marry the woman he loved, suffering constant separation from his wife and children, and ultimately, never meeting his third daughter because of his imprisonment. The unfairness of it all made my heart cry, and yet, this remarkable man did not waver in his faith and conviction of living for the Lord. He gave his utmost even in prison, shining a bright light in the darkest place. This book will encourage your faith and challenge you to give your best to the Lord. Five stars!
July 5, 2019
I did not know most of the story of Eric Lidell's life outside what is depicted in the movie "Chariots of Fire". I've loved that movie since I was little, and the Eric in the movie became the hero of courage and standing up for your beliefs.
As I read this book and learned about how Eric lived the rest of his life, Eric changed from the hero of courage into the hero of standing and living your beliefs. Eric was a real disciple of Christ, someone who strives everyday to become more like Jesus Christ. It wasn't just a quick drama that played out during the Olympics, but a lifelong pursuit.
As I read this book and learned about how Eric lived the rest of his life, Eric changed from the hero of courage into the hero of standing and living your beliefs. Eric was a real disciple of Christ, someone who strives everyday to become more like Jesus Christ. It wasn't just a quick drama that played out during the Olympics, but a lifelong pursuit.
May 6, 2018
I watched the movie "Chariots of Fire" as a child, but didn't remember much of it. Inspired by quotes and stories from the movie, I watched it as an adult. Loved the movie and was challenged by the man with such deep convictions.
The Final Race shares some of the details that "Chariots of Fire" missed. But more importantly, it shares what happened next in Eric Liddell's life. And that's the most inspiring of all.
The Final Race shares some of the details that "Chariots of Fire" missed. But more importantly, it shares what happened next in Eric Liddell's life. And that's the most inspiring of all.
August 25, 2019
Having seen the movie Chariots of fire I was unaware of what had happened to Eric Liddell after the 1924 Olympic Games. This book is in three sections dealing with the various stages of his life. It is written by someone who was inspired by Eric’s life and is sympathetically written, the author sharing both Eric’s faith in Christ and his missionary service in China. I would recommend this book and found it very readable.
April 26, 2021
This book is a thoughtfully written biography of Eric Liddell. He was the son of missionaries, an Olympic athlete, a missionary himself, an author, and a prisoner in a WWII internment camp. He was a mentor, a teacher, a role model, a modest, God fearing, faithful man. Mr. Liddell exemplified what a Christian man should strive for. Each chapter of this book begins with scriptures that were clearly attributes that Eric Liddell possessed. A very inspiring read.
July 10, 2018
This is the biography of Eric Liddell, an Olympic champion who was famous for refusing to run on Sunday. The book chronicles Eric's life from his childhood to his work as a missionary in China after his Olympic career. I was familiar with his athletic achievements, but not what happened after the Olympics. The book is well written with personal letters and photos included.
November 28, 2018
Bought this because of a glowing Kirkus review. I may have missed it - but the book is laced with religious undertone that goes beyond describing Lidells undoubtedly central religiousness. A shame because it undermines what would have made a strong secular story about a clearly special man. Felt like I was being preached to too often.
August 14, 2019
52. A book about sports or an athlete*
Wow! I knew the story of Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire but never realized how much more there was to his life. What an amazing man who truly embodies the heart of his Redeemer. What an example for us all.
*VT Reading Challenge https://www.challies.com/resources/th...
Wow! I knew the story of Eric Liddell from Chariots of Fire but never realized how much more there was to his life. What an amazing man who truly embodies the heart of his Redeemer. What an example for us all.
*VT Reading Challenge https://www.challies.com/resources/th...
March 21, 2021
I loved the movie "Chariots of Fire"! Eric Liddell's witness is a clarion call that still rings loudly today. I enjoyed the fiction element of this powerful biography. It flows well. This novel is riveting!
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, biographical fiction.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
Recommend to readers who enjoy inspirational, biographical fiction.
I won a copy. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
November 25, 2022
This book on the life of Eric Liddell was such an inspiration! It was interesting to learn more about this youth and family but I most interested in his mission work in China. My husband's Aunt Esther Bushy was a missionary with China Inland Mission and parts of the story like the boarding school for Missionary children at ChouFou were familiar and good to learn more about it!
June 18, 2023
An incredible story about a man whose faith drove him -- this is not an evangelical work, but he was evangelical long before the modern understanding took that approach into a somewhat political definition. There is so much more to the story of Eric Liddell than I ever suspected, and it challenged me to think of ways to have more integrity in my own life to merge my faith and actions.
August 31, 2025
I really enjoyed learning about Eric Liddell's life. His faith was incredible and he inspired a huge number of people around the world. Winning an Olympic gold medal didn't seem like a huge deal to him, because he was focused on his missionary work. He remained positive despite living through terrible hardships.
November 3, 2018
Eric Liddell's Olympic triumph is almost a footnote in this saga of faith, sacrifice, and devotion. It is a story that is both tragic and hopeful, and serves as a reminder to all Christians how we can be more humble and giving in our daily lives.
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