However all is not made easy for the two rival athletes as Liddle is forced to choose between representing his country and holding fast to his religious beliefs, while Abrahams strives to break through the barriers of an anti-Semitic English establishment.
The movie also addresses the issue of amateur versus professional sport, in a time when instead of guzzling down a post match Gatorade, bottles of champagne were the order of the day, and athletes more often than not would enjoy a pre-race cigarette to calm their nerves - an era that now seems far removed from the rigours of modern day sport.
Also, as an interesting aside, check out the nod to New Zealand athlete Tom Watson, when the Great Britain Olympic team arrives and settles in Paris, and the instantly recognizable soundtrack by Vangelis.
