An exhibition commemorating the legendary Scottish athlete Eric Liddell, who was born in a missionary family in Tianjin in 1902, was held at the Tianjin Sports Museum in the northern Chinese city on June 1.

The exhibition themed with "Eric Liddell: 100 Years of A Scottish Sporting Legend" is held at the Tianjin Sports Museum on June 1. [Photo provided to en.tj.gov.cn]

This year marks the 100 anniversary of Liddell's victory at the 1924 Paris Olympics and the exhibition is a celebration of the long-standing cultural exchanges between Scotland and China.

During the event, a Scottish government representative in China, Catriona Radcliffe, presented to the museum a copy of Liddell's letter to a friend, which described his life in Tianjin.

She said that Liddell is a link between the Scottish and Chinese people. His sporting achievements have inspired generations and even made an Oscar-winning film Chariot of Fire.

The memorial materials showcase Liddell's life and achievements. [Photo provided to en.tj.gov.cn] 

Liddell, known as "Li Airui" in Chinese, won the gold medal in the men's 400-meter race and broke the world record in the 1924 Paris Olympics.

At the peak of his athletic career, Liddell returned to his birthplace and became a chemistry teacher, starting his nearly 20-year teaching career. He promoted the spirit of sports, advocated physical fitness and helped people live a better life.

Catriona Radcliffe (L), Scottish government representative in China, presents a copy of Liddell's letter to a friend to the Tianjin Sports Museum on June 1. [Photo provided to en.tj.gov.cn]

During his time in Tianjin, Liddell devoted all his energy to cultivating talents. He sincerely hoped that China could develop as quickly as possible. He didn't leave the Chinese people when the going got tough and Liddell died in a Japanese concentration camp during World War II.

The event was co-organized by Scottish Government Office in China, Foreign Affairs Office of Tianjin Municipal People's Government, and Tianjin Municipal Sports Bureau.