The Healing Journey

February 16, 2025

Thirty years ago, British runner Derek Anthony Redmond was favored to win the 400m at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. On two previous occasions, he had broken the British record for the race. As one writer described it, “Finally, on the biggest stage of all, Redmond took his first two heats by storm; he won the first two rounds comfortably and posted the fastest time in the first-round heats and it was looking like the medal was his; however, fate would be a cruel mistress.”

Running in the semi-final, he tore his hamstring at the 250-meter mark. In pain, he vowed to continue, and with the 65,000 spectators cheering him, he limped to the finish line.

About 120 meters away, a man rushed down the stairs, dodged officials and ran to Redmond. “We started this together, and we’re going to finish this together,” he said, according to Olympedia.org.

“As I turned into the home straight, I could sense this person was about to try and stop me,” Derek said in an NBC Olympics profile interview. “I was just about to get ready to sort of fend them off, and then I heard a familiar voice of my dad. He said, ‘Derek, it’s me. You don’t need to do this.”

“He was sort of saying things like, ‘You’ve got nothing to prove. You’re a champion. You’ll come back. You’re one of the best guys in the world. You’re a true champion. You’ve got heart. You’re going to get over this. We’ll conquer the world together,’” Redmond remembered. “I’m just sort of saying, ‘I can’t believe this is happening.’”

Redmond told himself, “I’m going to finish this race if it’s the last race I ever run.” And it was the last of his career. However, the example he gave the world for perseverance and determination in pain will never be forgotten, and offers a lesson for all of us.

Redmond’s father Jim died three years ago, and today the runner who inspired the world with his determination is a motivational speaker and author. See the race: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLkc3PCxiYs

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