Meeting the British PM in Athletes Lodge and British Ambassador to China at reception

Two big events happened today. On what was an extremely hot day we made our way to the Team GB Athletes lodge with the prospect of meeting the British Prime Minister, Gordon Brown. The PM and his entourage arrived at 1.30pm to speak to the British athletes in the lodge...and we mingled with them on the couches provided!. In the foyer we had a stand with large display board of the book cover and several copies of the book.
Around 2pm the Prime Minister came up to the stand along with press photographers and spoke with John for 7 or 8 minutes. He said he had read the book and had long admired Eric Liddell's character and achievements. He spoke of Liddell as one of his heroes. John presented the PM with both English and Chinese versions, which he received with warm thanks. The British Ambassador to China, Sir William Ehrman, made himself know to John and spoke enthusiastically of Liddell as well.



Forty copies of the book had been placed in the lodge for the athletes use though only 2 remained when we left. We met with some former Olympic champions including Denise Lewis, who said she would read it on the plane home! and the Mexico '68 400 metres hurdles Olympic champion David Hemery.



















In the evening we went to a reception at the British Ambassadors residence hosted by the Principal of Edinburgh University Sir Timothy O'Shea. Signed copies of the book were given to Professor O'Shea and Sir William Ehrman and also to triple gold medallist Chris Hoy and Madam Dr Xu Lin, Director General and CEO for the office of Chinese Council International. In these events there were good photo opportunities and “casting bread upon the waters”. It was interesting to see how much Eric Liddell was mentioned during the evening speeches. John said Liddell must be considered as one of the best known of all Scotsmen in history, which is remarkable given his distinct Christian testimony.