Olympics 2008

In 1981 one of my favourite Olympic films was released.

Chariots of Fire tells the story of British athletes Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell preparing for the 1924 Olympics in Paris.

It was nominated for seven Academy awards and won four, including best picture.

There is the odd bit of fiction, but it is mostly fact, such as Liddell pulling out of his favourite event, the 100m, as he was a Christian and refused to run in the heats which were held on a Sunday.

But it meant the 'Flying Scotsman', as he was known, could focus on the 400m, which he went on to win.

Liddell also introduced Abrahams to professional coach Sam Mussabini, who he took on for six months in the run-up to the Games.

The move worked as Abrahams beat reigning champion Charlie Paddock of America to become Britain's first Olympic gold medallist in the 100m.

In the film, third place is given to Tom Watson, a fictitious character, as the real bronze medallist, New Zealand's Arthur Porritt, refused permission for his name to be used in the film, allegedly out of modesty.

Abrahams and Porritt remained firm friends after the race, which was held at 7pm on 7 July, and the two met at that time and date every year until Abrahams' death in 1978.

Of course, there are many other Olympic films, such as One Day in September and Munich which both deal with the 1972 Games where 17 people lost their lives after a siege in the Olympic village.

Olympia was a 1938 release which covered the Berlin Olympics of 1936, while Jim Thorpe - All American featured the achievements of the 1912 double gold medallist.

And who could forget Cool Runnings featuring the Jamaican bobsled team? OK, it's not about the summer Olympics but a great flick nonetheless.

Let us know your favourite Olympic film.