Princess Anne, Patron of The Eric Liddell 100, speaking to BBC’s Songs of Praise for a special programme celebrating the life and faith of the Scottish sporting hero.
The programme will air on BBC Two at 1.15pm on Sunday, 28 July,

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Princess Anne, Patron of The Eric Liddell 100, speaking to BBC’s Songs of Praise for a special programme celebrating the life and faith of the Scottish sporting hero.
The programme will air on BBC Two at 1.15pm on Sunday, 28 July,
Sunday 28th July • BBC 2 • Songs of Praise • 1:15pm • Olympic Faith
As the Paris 2024 Olympic Games begin, Laura Wright is in Edinburgh to celebrate the faith of Olympians and Paralympians past and present. And she speaks to HRH the Princess Royal to reflect on the legacy of Scottish sporting hero and Christian missionary Eric Liddell.
At St Giles’ Cathedral, Laura joins a special service commemorating Eric, 100 years after he dramatically won gold at the Paris 1924 Olympics. The story of Eric’s 400m triumph was later made famous in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire, and Eric’s eldest daughter tells Laura about her father’s great faith and shares the story of him choosing not to run in his favoured 100m as the heats fell on a Sunday. And the Princess Royal, Patron of the Eric Liddell 100 initiative, reflects on Eric’s achievements and values, and what they can teach young people today.
We revisit the time Paralympian Kadeena Cox spoke to Radzi Chinyanganya about relying on God through tragedy and triumph. And there’s another chance to see Team GB swimmer Daniel Jervis sharing his testimony with Katherine Jenkins.
God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. ~ Eric Liddell
Ian Charleson, Chariots of Fire, 1981
Obedience to God's will is the secret of spiritual knowledge and insight. It is not willingness to know, but willingness to DO (obey) God's will that brings certainty.
Eric Liddell
Eric Liddell after winning the 400m final
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
- Eric Liddel sermon at the Church of Scotland, Chariots of Fire 1981 (taken from Isaiah 40:31)
**Ben Cross and Ian Charleson by Lord Snowdon for Chariots of Fire, 1981.
Chariots of Fire premiered as a Royal Command Performance on 30 March 1981.
Loosely based on runners Eric Liddell (Ian Charleson) and Harold Abrams (Ben Cross) and the 1924 Olympics, Colin Welland’s script is not factually accurate (e.g. gold medalist Douglas Lowe refused permission for the use of his name and achievements for the film and is represented by the fictional Lord Andrew Lindsay; Abrams did not meet his love interest - named Sybil Gordon in the film - until 11 years after the Olympic games; Liddell’s refusal to run on Sunday and switching events occurred months before the actual games, as schedules and times were announced well in advance), but received many accolades for capturing the historical “feel” of the games.
A commercial and critical success, Chariots of Fire received 7 Academy Award nominations, including Best Director (Hugh Hudson), Best Supporting Actor (Ian Holm), and Best Editing (Terry Rawlings). The film received 4 Oscars: Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Costume Design (Milena Canonero), and Best Score (Vangelis).