British evangelist John Ioannou John, better known as J. John, has written a booklet based on the Christian athlete Eric Liddell, who a century ago won the gold medal at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris.

According to J. John, the booklet, called Running the Race of Your Life, aims to inspire conversations about God during this year's Olympic Games in Paris.

He recalled that 3.05 billion viewers watched the Tokyo 2020 Games, making it “the most loved sports event in the world”.

“A global audience will watch as 10,500 athletes seek to earn a podium position and etch their name into Olympic and Paralympic Games history”, said J. John, who saw it as “a unique opportunity to share the message of Christianity with friends, family, neighbours and colleagues”.

For the evangelist “it cannot be a coincidence” that both the 1924 and 2024 Olympic Games take place in Paris, where he hopes to distribute one million copies. “If we are to reach the world with the gospel, we must reach our world”, he added.

‘Chariots of Fire’

Chariots of Fire's moving soundtrack has become a staple of sporting events.

The pastor explained that the story of Liddell, retold in this film, focuses on his uncompromising desire to honour God in his running. He added that the Scottish athlete was also known for refusing to compromise his beliefs, even at the risk of losing Olympic glory.

J. John also stressed that the athlete “did not let his achievements define him, but allowed them to illuminate how truly amazing God is, and no matter what we face in life: putting God first is always the answer”.

Testimonials

The booklet has already managed to make Liddell's story known to a whole new generation of athletes.

“My husband and I read Running the Race of Your Life and it was such an insight. I had heard of Eric Liddell, but I didn’t actually know his story. It has really made me remember the importance of putting God first and letting everything else follow”, says Bethany Firth, 6-time Paralympic gold medallist.

John Bostock, professional footballer and founder of Ballers in God said the material is “a powerful and timely reminder of an incredible life of sacrifice that was spent for Jesus rather than things that fade”.