The first recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards have been announced, recognizing individuals who exemplify the values of passion, compassion, and integrity, which were central to Eric Liddell’s life and legacy. These awards, established as part of the Eric Liddell 100 celebrations, honor the contributions of individuals to Scottish athletics and related fields…

The first recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards have been announced, recognizing individuals who exemplify the values of passion, compassion, and integrity, which were central to Eric Liddell’s life and legacy. These awards, established as part of the Eric Liddell 100 celebrations, honor the contributions of individuals to Scottish athletics and related fields…

 

The inaugural recipients of the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards have been officially announced, marking a significant moment in Scottish sporting history. These prestigious awards, established as part of the Eric Liddell 100 celebrations, commemorate the life and values of one of Scotland’s most revered athletes and humanitarians. They honor individuals who embody the core principles that guided Liddell’s life—passion, compassion, and integrity.

Eric Liddell, famously known as the “Flying Scotsman,” rose to global prominence as a gold medal-winning Olympic sprinter in the 1924 Paris Games, where his commitment to faith and principles captured international admiration. However, Liddell’s legacy extends far beyond athletics. After his sporting career, he dedicated his life to missionary work in China, where he continued to live out his values until his death in a Japanese internment camp during World War II.

In the spirit of Liddell’s enduring influence, the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards seek to highlight contemporary figures who contribute meaningfully to Scottish sport and society, particularly in ways that reflect Liddell’s unwavering commitment to excellence, empathy, and moral courage.

The first recipients include a diverse group of individuals whose work and character have left a lasting impact on athletics and the broader community. Among the honorees is Olympic athlete and mental health advocate Eilish McColgan, recognized for her relentless drive on the track and her open advocacy around mental wellness in sport. Her transparency and leadership in breaking stigmas reflect the compassion and integrity Liddell embodied.

Also recognized is coach and mentor John McFarlane, whose decades-long career has nurtured generations of young athletes in underprivileged communities. McFarlane’s dedication to using sport as a vehicle for social change and youth empowerment aligns closely with Liddell’s legacy of selfless service and inclusivity.

Posthumously honored was Dr. Catherine Yule, a pioneering sports physician and advocate for women in sport. Her trailblazing efforts not only advanced the role of science in athletic performance but also championed equality and access across gender lines. Her integrity in advocating for fairness and inclusivity embodies the highest ideals of the award.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony in Edinburgh, attended by prominent figures from the world of sport, politics, and education. During the ceremony, Eric Liddell’s daughter Patricia Liddell praised the honorees, stating, “These individuals represent what my father stood for—not just achievement in sport, but a life of purpose, humility, and service to others.”

The Eric Liddell 100 initiative, which spans a year of events and commemorations, celebrates the centenary of Liddell’s Olympic triumph while highlighting his broader humanitarian legacy. Organizers hope that the awards will become an enduring annual tradition that continues to inspire future generations.

In honoring those who follow in his footsteps—not just on the track but in their hearts—the Eric Liddell Recognition Awards ensure that his extraordinary life continues to shape and elevate Scottish athletics and society at large.