The Story of Eric Liddell: The Runner Who Lived for God's Glory

By Champ Thornton

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Format: Paperback

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Availability: Forthcoming

Expected: Aug 18, 2026

Retail Price: $9.99

The Story of Eric Liddell: The Runner Who Lived for God's Glory

By Champ Thornton

... Show All

Middle-Grade Biography Illuminates Eric Liddell’s Life of Faith and Fame

Eric Liddell was an Olympic sprinter, gold medalist, and world’s record holder. But despite his rising fame on the track, he was determined to dedicate his life and legacy to God alone. After his Olympic triumph in 1924, Liddell returned to China as a missionary, embodying self-sacrifice, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to serving others. 

This short and lively biography takes middle-grade readers on an exciting journey through Liddell’s life, highlighting his upbringing as a missionary kid, his battles with serious illnesses, and his imprisonment during World War II. As readers explore Liddell’s journey of faith and fame, they will discover that true success lies not in personal achievement, but in living for God’s glory and the good of others. Featuring illustrations, maps, timelines, bonus sidebars, and study questions, this addition to the Lives of Faith and Grace series engages kids ages 8–13 in the drama of history, showing how God worked in the past through ordinary people like them. 

  • Lively Biography: Explores the life of Eric Liddell, an Olympic sprinter, world’s record holder, and missionary 
  • Written for Kids Ages 8–13: This short format includes illustrations, maps, timelines, and bonus sidebars to help young readers stay engaged
  • Inspiring: Teaches young readers to run their life’s race for the glory of God and the good of others 
  • Part of the Lives of Faith and Grace Series: Engages kids with the real-life stories of Christian men and women from history

Author:

Champ Thornton

 

Champ Thornton (PhD, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) is director of children and family resources at Crossway and the author of numerous books for kids and families. He and his wife, Robben, live in Newark, Delaware, and have three children. 

Product Details

Format: Paperback
Page Count: 112
Size: 5.25 in x 8.0 in
Weight: 10.0 ounces
ISBN-10: 1-4335-8345-3
ISBN-13: 978-1-4335-8345-2
ISBN-UPC: 9781433583452
Published: August 18, 2026

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Greatest Race (1923)
Chapter 2: The Start (1902–1907)
Chapter 3: First Strides (1907–1921)
Chapter 4: In Training (1921–1922)
Chapter 5: A New Course (1923–1924)
Chapter 6: Mounting Challenges (1924)
Chapter 7: Going for Gold (1924–1925)
Chapter 8: A Different Race (1925–1931)
Chapter 9: Changing Lanes (1931–1937)
Chapter 10: Running Risks (1937–1943)
Chapter 11: To the Breaking Point (1943–1944)
Chapter 12: The Final Lap (1944–1945)

Conclusion: Lessons from a Life
Timelines
More to Explore
Study Questions