His running talent is an anomaly and does not make him equal to his peers. Yet both are talented in sport and so are condescendingly allowed to enter the competitive arena. However, their methods for competing are frowned upon and judged as disgraceful. But they do not fit the definition of the legitimate body of sport. Eric Liddle's struggle with his religious principles in the world of sport is a central theme in the film.
Professional sport requires devotion and the exclusion of other pursuits.
Liddle would never choose running over God, but he does not want to choose God over running. Many Britons may identify with Liddle's principles, but his resolve to choose God over country is not so acceptable. Sport gives pride to national identity. When a country wins in sport it has proven that its people are possessed of unconquerable and incomparable physical prowess and mental acumen. It is imperative that a national athlete or team sacrifice all for national pride.