1928 Summer Olympics

In fact, Burley, on whom Lindsay is loosely based, was eliminated in the heats of the 110 hurdles.

He went on to win a gold medal in the 400 meter at the 1928 Olympics, though, and he was not entered for the 400 meters.

So it's not like Liddell was taking Burley's place in real life, whereas in the film it was a selfless sacrifice by Lindsay.

The film reverses the order of Abrams 100 and 200 meter races at the Olympics, as I mentioned before.