“God made me fast. And when I run, I feel His pleasure. ”

李愛銳（1902–1945）是蘇格蘭運動員和基督教傳教士，因為是首位在中國出生的奧運金牌得主而聞名。李愛銳出生於天津，父母是英國傳教士。他在六歲時返回英國就讀寄宿學校，展現了傑出的運動天賦，尤其是在短跑領域。他後來進入愛丁堡大學，成為橄欖球和田徑運動的明星運動員。

李愛銳在1924年巴黎奧運會上因堅持信仰而聞名。他因為比賽日是星期日而拒絕參加100米比賽，轉而專注於400米項目。經過幾週的刻苦訓練，李愛銳最終出人意料地奪得400米金牌，並在200米比賽中獲得銅牌。他的故事成為堅守信仰與毅力的象徵。

奧運會之後，李愛銳於1925年回到中國，追隨父親的腳步成為傳教士。他在天津的一所教會學校教授化學和體育，並積極參與體育設施的建設，如改建民園體育場。他雖然是世界級運動員，但始終將自己的精力投入到傳教和教育工作中。

在中日戰爭全面爆發後，李愛銳選擇留在中國，並在河北的貧困農村服務。1943年，他被日軍俘虜，囚禁於山東濰坊的集中營。即使身處逆境，李愛銳依然保持樂觀，幫助營內其他人，甚至將釋放的機會讓給他人。他最終因營養不良和過度勞動患上腦瘤，並於1945年在集中營中逝世，留下了無私奉獻和信仰堅守的永恆遺產。

Eric Liddell was a Scottish athlete and Christian missionary known for his strong faith and sportsmanship. He gained fame as a sprinter and won a gold medal in the 400-meter race at the 1924 Paris Olympics, despite refusing to compete in his best event, the 100 meters, because it was held on a Sunday, which he considered a day of worship. His decision, rooted in his deep commitment to his Christian beliefs, made him a symbol of faith over personal glory.

After his athletic career, Liddell became a missionary in China, dedicating his life to serving others. He continued his work through difficult times, including the Japanese occupation during World War II. Liddell was eventually interned in a prison camp, where he remained a source of hope and encouragement to others until his death in 1945. His life of sacrifice, humility, and faith has inspired many and is captured in the film Chariots of Fire, which highlights his Olympic achievements and unwavering commitment to his beliefs.