So begins the 1981 Oscar-winning film “Chariots of Fire,” introducing a group of British athletes as they train for the Olympic Games. Based on the lives and gold-medal-winning performances of sprinters Eric Liddell and Harold Abrahams ahead of the 1924 Paris Olympics, “Chariots of Fire” won four Oscars — including Best Picture. It’s got a life of its own.”“Chariots of Fire” charts the athletic careers of Liddell and Abrahams — both talented sprinters — in the years leading up to the 1924 Olympics. This year, the organization has launched The Eric Liddell 100 initiative, intended to make Liddell’s life better known among younger generations while recognizing his acts of heroism after Japan’s invasion of China in 1931. That was a wonderful mindset to take into any race, I think.”Abrahams badly injured his leg doing the long jump the year after the Paris Olympics, forcing him to retire from athletics.
