Derek Redmond's Emotional Olympic Story - Injury Mid-Race | Barcelona 1992 Olympics

The unforgettable story of Great Britain's 400m runner Derek Redmond, whose hamstring snapped during his event but was determined to finish the race at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.

Derek Anthony Redmond didn't win a medal at the Barcelona Olympics. In fact, the British 400m runner didn't even make it past the semi-final stage. But it was his determination to finish that will live forever in the minds of millions. Injury forced the Briton to withdraw from the 1988 Seoul Games just ten minutes before the start of his 400m heat, so Redmond felt he had everything to prove in Barcelona four years later. Not to his peers, that is but, as he later admitted, to himself.

Redmond wanted a medal whatever the colour and he started well, qualifying for the semi-finals by clocking the fastest time in his heat. As the gun signaled the start of his semi-final, Redmond charged out of the blocks, making good speed over his first 250m. At that point his right hamstring snapped. The one time British 400m record holder pulled sharply up as the rest of his field ran away from him, leaving Redmond on his knees and crippled, his Olympic dream over.

What followed, however, is one of the most memorable moments in Olympic history. Redmond got back to his feet and tried to finish the race. In an act of true courage against adversity, Redmond could only hop on one leg towards the finish line. Pain etched on his face as each step became more painful than the last, Redmond would not give up. He had promised himself and his father, that he would finish the race 'no matter what,' and he would keep that promise.

Half way to the finish line on one leg and crying with desperation, Derek was joined by his father Jim. The moment Redmond crossed the finish line brought sixty-five thousand spectators to their feet in a standing ovation, many also in tears. Few can remember that Steve Lewis of the USA won the semi-final in a time of 44.50. But no one who saw it will ever forget Derek Redmond's courage on the day he defined the essence of the human and Olympic spirit.

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[Norijanicsek]

I don't remember who won this race, but I'll never forget Derek and his father.

[uk]

That walk with his dad is worth more than all the gold medals in the world.

[keeperofthefire]

At this moment, he didn't see Derek as an Olympic world class athlete, he saw his little boy. And who better to come and pick him up and dust him off than his father. Absolutely beautiful

[roolaing]

His Dad passed away today, 05/10/22. Rest in peace, Jim Redmond, and thank-you for reminding us that there are kind, beautiful people in the world.

[GoBuddieGo]

When the father got to his son, and the son broke down. I broke down too. Family really is forever.

[problemdrinker]

I love the way his dad waves every one off and takes his son home. And involuntarily wrote himself into history. Salute.

[bomapdich]

Holyshit, the way he immediately breaks down and cry when his father holds him. You can hear "dad im sorry" and " son, I have never been so proud of you".

[KOforLiddell]

The worst pain in sports is almost always experienced at the Olympics. You train you entire life for that olympic event, just to have it taken away in a second.

[desertrose]

Everyone needs a father like that. No rule and no official was going to stop him from helping his son, who needed his support, literally and emotionally. The quiet battle of fatherhood.

[shaaira]

Rest In Power & Peace Jim Redmond! 30 years later, and your love and mark is still felt through each new generation that experience this moment for the 1st time! You will be missed, but never forgotten💙

[ilsevanderbij]

Rest In Peace Jim. You showed the world what a father’s love truly means. We will never forget ❤

[subhajitghoshUC]

He lost the race only to be remain as the winner even after 22 years... Hats off to this legend.

[slavskee]

Apart from that has anyone noticed courage of a father? He stay till the end, pulling away security. That was a fathers love. And how his son has reacted to his father? I find it also inspirational.

[randomdude]

There’s something very powerful about a full grown man hugging his father while he cries

[JHen-lsvc]

This has to be the greatest moment in sporting history... had every emotion, a true father who was there for his son..

[JonMo]

The real winner of the race was Derek. It's easy to win when everything is all good and going your way. It's very hard to do so when adversity strikes and everything seems to be going against you.

[Poundcakebowler]

watched it live 22 years epic moment to this day.

[jessicacruz]

Derek was in physical pain but also heart broken, emotionally crushed to lose something he worked so hard for. The only person he needed in that moment was his dad, and his dad didn’t let anyone stop him from being there for his son. That is such a powerful love 🥺🥺

[miss_aery]

the moment he realized that the person coming after him is his dad 😭

[phoenixshade]

If anyone can find it, point me to the original footage without the sappy music edited in. The sound of the crowd as he approached the finish has to be a thousand times more inspirational than any contrived and cliched soundtrack could ever be.