Eric Liddell Gym refurbishment officially crosses the line

University students and staff were joined by Sue Caton, Eric Liddell’s niece, and 2014 University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame Inductee, Eilidh Child, to cut the ribbon and officially open the refurbished Eric Liddell Gym.

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Eric Liddell Gym Ribbon Cutting - Sue Caton and Eilidh Child cutting the ribbon

Celebrating the legacy of Eric Liddell 

Named in honour of University of Edinburgh alumnus Eric Liddell whose gold medal success at the 1924 Paris Olympic Games was featured in ’Chariots of Fire’ the refurbishment coincides with the beginning of a new awareness drive launched by The Eric Liddell Community, The Eric Liddell 100 campaign. The campaign brings together a programme of events and activities to recognise and celebrate the life, sporting and community service achievements of one of Scotland’s iconic figures, who was the inaugural inductee into the University of Edinburgh Sports Hall of Fame in 2008

We’re delighted that the University of Edinburgh have honoured Eric Liddell’s legacy with the opening of the refurbished Eric Liddell Gym. We’re thrilled that the University is supporting The Eric Liddell 100 campaign and looking forward to working together in the build up to the centenary.

John McMillanChief Executive Officer, The Eric Liddell Community

Renewed. Refreshed. Reimagined.

The refurbishment of the gym includes a significant investment in new, state-of-the-art, equipment from Technogym. The new five-year partnership represents the synergy of two world-leading organisations with common values and the drive to find solutions through research, development, innovation and knowledge transfer.   

It’s a real honour for us to have reopened the refurbished gym in Eric’s name. Our partnership with Technogym has enabled us to create an amazing space which I am sure will help inspire our whole community to stay active.

Mark MunroDirector of Sport and Active Health, University of Edinburgh

The 765sqm space, which was previously split into two distinct areas, one for cardio and one for fixed weights activities, has been brought together to better serve our gym community. Zoning of the space has been developed in collaboration with Technogym in response to user feedback and shifting fitness trends, using data collection and sensor analyses to inform layout of equipment.  

The Technogym Excite Live cardio equipment now on offer includes 30 brand new treadmills, 15 cross-trainers, 9 exercise bikes and, for the first time, 8 stair climbers. Technogym Excite Live makes training more fun and inspiring for any fitness level with its variety of workouts and countless entertainment options. Offering trainer-led Sessions for maximum fun combined with performance or further choice from one of our the quick and effective Routines with video or pop-up message for guidance and support.There has also a significant increase in the number pin-select strength equipment available to members, including additional Technogym Pure and Selection leg press, leg extension, lat pull, and low row machines, as well as the introduction of 2 hip thrust machines. In total there are now over 130 pieces of state-of-the-art kit in the space.

The refurbishment works have also been designed to retain, and highlight, the original architectural heritage of the space, whilst also featuring new floor coverings and feature lighting.

The result is an inspirational, sector-leading space for students, staff and the wider community.

We’re incredibly proud to be working with the University of Edinburgh to deliver innovative products and digital solutions to students and the local community. The official opening marks the start of an exciting time for the universities future and to promote physical activity aligned with our common goals of increasing movement and physical activity.

Giovanni SimoniManaging Director, Technogym UK

Eric Liddell Scholarships

As part of the celebrations Sue and Eilidh presented Eric Liddell Sport Scholarships to a number of University of Edinburgh Athletes. The scholarships, which are awarded on an annual basis provide monetary support to up to 10 Junior International standard athletes each year.

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Sue Caton, Eilidh Child and Eric Liddell Scholars

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