St Giles
Possibly one of the most famous Olympians is Eric Liddell who decided to miss the 100 m race which he was expected to win and also the relay races because the heats were on a Sunday.  He did win a bronze for the 200 m and against the odds won a gold for the 400 m while setting an Olympic and World record.  It might seem very strange now that a sportsman would not participate on a Sunday when many important races, events and matches are on Sundays.  It used to be that a Sunday was the time for going to church or for the family and Liddell was very devout. His parents were missionaries in China where he was born but he used to spend much time with family in Edinburgh where he gained a science degree and also trained for the ministry.  He went to China to help the poor and taught maths, science and sports -he had also represented Scotland several times in rugby.. But when the Japanese invaded China he was interned and sadly died there from a brain tumour and malnutrition  Unfortunately he never saw his third daughter because he had sent his pregnant wife and two daughters to her parents to escape the atrocities.  He lived a devout life and was very well liked and respected everywhere and apparently the Chinese regarded him as their first Olympic medal winner.
 
Today there was a special service in St Giles to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell’s win and stance at the Paris Olympics in 1924. His daughter and Princess Anne gave readings and the address, music and singing were excellent.  His legacy continues through the community work at the centre named after him just metres from the church where he worshipped in Edinburgh. The Eric Liddell Centre was set up in Edinburgh in 1980 to honour Liddell's beliefs in community service whilst he lived and studied in Edinburgh. Local residents dedicated it to inspiring, empowering, and supporting people of all ages, cultures, and abilities, as an expression of compassionate Christian values.