Derek & Jim Redmond

We've all seen the Visa commercials where Morgan Freeman summarizes incredible feats at the Olympics. One that really stands out is the one with Derek Redmond, a British runner whose hamstring gave out during the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. In honor of the beginning of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, I bring you the story of Derek Redmond and his father, Jim.

"Derek's father Jim had accompanied him to Barcelona, just as he did for all world competitions. They were as close as a father and son could be. Inseparable, really. The best of friends. When Derek ran, it was as if his father were running right next to him."
-Rick Weinberg, ESPN.com report on the 1992 Barcelona Olympics

Derek Redmond did not win a gold medal at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. In fact, he holds the record for the slowest 400 meter in Olympic history. Yet Derek is more well known for that fateful day than the gold medalist.

At age 26, Derek Redmond had already broken two British 400m records and was preparing himself for the 1992 Summer Olympics, which would be taking place in Barcelona, Spain. A year prior, Derek had been a part of the British team that beat the favored American team in the 4x400m relay at the World Championships. In 1988, he withdrew from the Olympic races in Seoul, Korea only ninety seconds before his first heat was about to begin due to hamstring problems. This time, he wanted to walk away with a medal, he wanted to show the world what he was capable of.

On the day of the 400m, Derek's father Jim found his way to his seat in the stadium among 65,000 other fans. He prays that today will go flawlessly; no more injuries, no
more set backs.

The race begins and Derek Redmond quickly lurches ahead of the other competitors. He knows he can make it to the finals. He had won his first two heats, all he needed to do was make it through the semi-finals. With only 175 meters left, he hears a pops. Derek's right hamstring had torn. In a later interview Derek recalls thinking that he had been shot. He slows himself down and kneels for a few brief seconds.

Up in the stands, Jim Redmond freezes in fear. Instinctively, he understands what has happened and begins to push his way down to the track.

Medical personnel arrive to help Derek off of the track with a stretcher. Redmond pushes them away and decides to finish his 400 meter race. Slowly, he rises and hops his way toward the finish line, where the rest of the runners have already finished. Later in an interview Derek tells the reporter: "Everything I had worked for was finished. I hated everybody. I hated the world. I hated hamstrings. I hated it all. I felt so bitter that I was injured again. I told myself I had to finish. I kept hopping round. Then, with 100 meter to go, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was my old man."

Jim had pushed his way from the back of the stadium to help his son off the field. Security tried to stop Jim, but he brushed them off, running to Derek's aid. Derek told his father that he was going to finish, no matter what. Without arguing Jim supported his son, both mentally and physically, as the two finished the last 100 meters. Jim let Derek cross the finish line himself, but afterward rejoined him in a tearful embrace.

65,000 fans cheered and cried with them that day, along with countless others watching from home. That race will forever be in the memories of thousands, not for who won or who lost, but for the amazing courage and spirits of Derek and Jim Redmond.

You can view the YouTube video of Derek's race here.

Sources
ESPN
The New York Times
The Guardian