The Princess Royal has spoken of the importance of being part of a team for those competing at the highest level as she celebrated the life of one of Britain’s most famous Olympians.
Princess Anne talked about the role that supporting others plays in sporting success as she marked 100 years since the victory of Scottish runner, Eric Liddell, at the Paris Olympics of 1924.
Eric Liddell was one of the world’s top sprinters when he arrived in France for the Olympics but he was also a committed Christian and when he found out that the heats of the 100 metres were to be held on a Sunday, he withdrew form the contest. He instead took part in the 400 metres, run on weekdays, and secured gold.
His story was later told in the film, Chariots of Fire, which went on to win a host of Oscars.
Speaking to the BBC Songs of Praise programme, the Princess said that Eric Liddell was ”such a remarkable induvial to be able to do both, to live that life of sincerity and humility and alongside being a pretty successful competitor.’‘
Princess Anne also talked about her perception of Eric Liddell’s inspiration, saying ”he must have had that competition in him in order to do well but I think he also regarded it as very much a God given talent and it was his responsibility to do the best that he could with it.”
The Princess Royal is patron of the Eric Liddell 100 which seeks to secure his legacy by celebrating his achievements and talents and by inspiring young people.
Princess Anne said of the initiative that ”it is really trying to help young people to understand that you can be very focused and want to be professional and successful but that doesn’t stop you understanding that you’re very much part of the team and that sincerity and humility could actually be of help to you and those around you in the long term.”
Princess Anne competed in the Olympics in 1976 and has been closely associated with the Games ever since. She is a member of the International Olympic Committee.
The Princess Royal has been in Paris for the 2024 Paris Olympics, taking part in the IOC meeting that was held before the Games began and meeting Team GB to offer her support to them.
Songs of Praise will be shown on BBC One on July 28th at 1.15pm and will be available to viewers in the UK on the iPlayer.
