Eric's Greatest Race: The Inspiring True Story of Eric Liddell - Athlete, Missionary, Prisoner

by Tim Challies, Paul Mignard (Artist)

This engaging, fully illustrated book tells young readers the story of famous Olympian Eric Liddell, whose steadfast courage and commitment to Christ has inspired generations of believers.
 
Athlete. Missionary. Prisoner.
 
Eric Liddell’s life was a series of remarkable twists and turns, from his refusal to run on a Sunday in the 1924 Olympics (as depicted in the Oscar-winning film Chariots of Fire ) to his extensive missionary work, and finally to his imprisonment during World War II. Through it all, Eric never abandoned his faith in God.
 
Written and illustrated as a graphic novel, Eric’s Greatest Race tells Eric Liddell’s entire life story and educates young readers about important historical events and concepts along the way. Children will encounter a real-life hero whose incredible impact on Christianity and the world lives on today.
 

Genres: Biography, Graphic Novels, Childrens, Sports

128 pages, Hardcover

Published April 29, 2025

About the author

Tim Challies is a leading evangelical blogger. A self-employed web designer, Tim lives in the outskirts of Toronto, Ontario with his wife and children.

Reviews

[Lauren Ducommun · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a graphic novel for ages 8-12 with little text—it only took me about 20 minutes to read the whole book.

While it covers Eric’s life, which is a phenomenal story. For the price tag ($17.48), I was expecting some higher quality illustrations and more text.

Overall, inspiring story and one I think kids should read. But it may be slightly overpriced, and out of budget for most families. However, it would be a great book to request for public libraries to purchase!

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I all really enjoyed this book! We read it in one sitting and loved learning more about Eric’s life of serving the Lord. It gave my older kids the desire to want to read a more in depth biography.

[Meagan | The Chapter House · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this graphic-novel take on Eric Liddell. I was familiar with elements of his story from having watched "Chariots of Fire" many times over the years, but appreciated how this fleshed it out and told the rest of the story, too. Thoughtfully written and illustrated; I think the only thing I would've liked more is if the interior illustrations were in color!

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A graphic novel biography of Eric Liddell, Christian missionary who grew up in China, went to school in Scotland, and returned to China as an adult. He was also a national rugby player for Scotland and Olympic gold medalist in running.

This is a succinct but informative biography of Liddell. It covers more of his life than Chariots of Fire if that’s your only other exposure to his story. It has a good balance about each part of his life story from childhood through various stages of adulthood. There were times when broader events were introduced a little out of the chronological flow of Liddell’s life (they are introduced and then the story back tracks a little bit and brings him up to that point). I found that a touch confusing, but it only happened 2 times. The illustrations are in grayscale, but are still attractive. This will be a nice addition to our graphic novel biography selection.

Notes on content:
Language: None
Sexual content: None. A married couple is shown hugging and that’s it.
Violence: The Boxer Rebellion, WWI, and WWII are discussed. Deaths in each are mentioned but there is nothing graphic on page. Deaths from strokes are also mentioned (one is Liddell’s).
Ethnic diversity: Scottish, British, Chinese, and American historical figures
LGBTQ+ content: None specified
Other: Eric’s time in a concentration camp is included in the story, but hardships mentioned are kept minimal.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Eric’s Greatest Race, Tim Challies shares the story of Eric Liddell and his lifelong love for the Lord. It is a fresh take on a modern hero of the faith.


This graphic novel, with excellent illustrations by Paul Mignard, covers Liddell’s childhood in China, years in school, Olympic achievements, and death during World War II. It is a gripping book that keeps the focus on Liddell’s relationship with God.



Run Hard After God

What I was most interested to see was how China was significant in Liddell’s upbringing and later missionary work. It is clear that he wanted to do great work for the Lord, and this pursuit pressed into every aspect of his life.


Eric’s Greatest Race, and his greatest reward, is more than his Olympic medal. This book shows that the greatest race we all run is the race of faith. It will inspire you to run hard after God and run across the finish line.



I received a media copy of Eric’s Greatest Race and this is my honest review.

[Allie Fullerton (thelightfilledreader) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great biography where kids can learn about an amazing man, his story, and his love for the Lord.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

This graphic novel is a fantastic way to introduce kids to Eric Liddell! I'd love to see a whole series from Challies on other missionaries or heroes of the Christian faith!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like graphic biographies as they cover the important facts quickly and with pictures.
This book was read in one sitting.
I learned even more about Eric and encourages me to read those other larger bios that are already on my shelf.

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ordered this as a gift for my 9yo son and read it myself in one sitting. I’ve been a fan of Eric Liddell since my teens, but I thought that the storytelling was dry and the drawings were unappealing. Not sure what the usual trend is for graphic novels, but I was surprised that it is in complete grayscale. I couldn’t tell who the characters were supposed to be from panel to panel and some of the faces were just dashes. Just not engaging or appealing. I’m still waiting to hear what my kids think of it.