Published Date:
17 November 2009
THERE were calls this week to reinstate a statue of Olympic gold medallist Eric Liddell in Bishopbriggs Leisuredrome.
A bronze statue of the legendary runner was unveiled shortly after Bishopbriggs Sports Centre was opened by HRH Princess Anne, back in 1973.
However, the statue has been locked away in a cupboard at the centre for years.
One Leisuredrome user said: "Eric Liddell was an inspirational sportsman.
"It would be great to have the statue set up in the Leisuredrome foyer."
Liddell, immortalised in the famous film Chariots of Fire, was a committed Christian who refused to run in the 100 metres at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games, his best event, because the event was to be held on a Sunday.
Instead he ran in the 400 metre event, and not only unexpectedly won the gold medal, but smashed the existing world record with a time of 47.6 seconds.
His bronze statue stood at the front of the sports centre for many years until the refurbishment of the building into what is now the Leisuredrome.
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Last Updated:
17 November 2009 5:55 PM
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Source:
n/a
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Location:
Kirkintilloch
