Chariots of Fire

Eric Liddell was a humble man with a simple and personal faith whose life's purpose was to glorify God. His life and legacy continue to impact people's lives around the world.


Chariots of Fire is one of the outstanding movies of all time. It provides an excellent springboard for family discussion of life priorities and the source of true joy.

Plot

The movie is based on the true story of two British athletes competing in the 1924 Summer Olympics1924 Summer OlympicsThe 1924 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the VIII Olympiad, were an international multi-sport event which was celebrated in 1924 in Paris, France.

Henry Liddell was a Scottish athlete, rugby union international and missionary. His surname is and rhymes with fiddle.

Liddell was the winner of the Men's 400 metres at the 1924 Summer Olympics held in Paris.

In 1919, Abrahams enters Cambridge UniversityUniversity of CambridgeThe University of Cambridge , located in the City of Cambridge,

Liddell sees running as a way of glorifying God before travelling to China to work as a missionary. He represents Scotland against Ireland in a race, and preaches a sermon on "Life as a race" afterwards.

At their first meeting, Liddell beats Abrahams in a race. Abrahams takes it badly, but Sam MussabiniSam MussabiniScipio Africanus "Sam" Mussabini was an athletics coach best known for his work with Harold Abrahams, a professional trainer who he had approached earlier, offers to take him on to improve his technique. However, this attracts criticism from the college masters because they are not sympathetic to a Jewish student representing the college. They allege it is ungentlemanly and unsportsmanlike for an amateur athlete seeking to compete in the Olympics to employ a professional coach, but Abrahams realizes that is cover for their anti-Semitism and class entitlement, and dismisses their concern.

Eric's sister Jennie worries he is too busy running to concern himself with their mission, but Eric tells her he feels inspired: "I believe that God made me for a purpose, but He also made me fast, and when I run, I feel His pleasure."

Liddell refuses to run a heat of the 100 metres at the Olympics because his Christian convictions prevent him from running on Sunday. To remedy the sensitive issue, his teammate Lord Andrew Lindsey having won silver in the 400 metre hurdles, proposes to yield his place in the 400 metre race400 metres400 m is a common track running event. It is a sprint distance. On a standard outdoor running track, it is exactly one lap around the track. Runners start in staggered positions and race in separate lanes for the entire course to Liddell.

The 400 metres would be run on the following Tuesday, thus averting Liddell's need to run on Sunday. Liddell at church on Sunday is seen quoting Isiah 40, verse 31:

'But they that wait upon the shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and be not weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.'


Abrahams competes in the 100 metre sprint and wins. Now he can get on with his life and reconcile with his girlfriend whom he has neglected for the sake of the running. Liddell himself defeats the American favourites in the 400 metres, in spite of their coach's remarks to them minimizing his chances. He then goes on to do his missionary work in China.