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

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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.
Find more about the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games: www.olympic.org/barcelona-1992...
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[@KitsuYasha]

And this, is how you dad.

[@josephkuforiji9407]

Kitsu Yasha love this comment.

[@radeyahapesin297]

Your comment cracked me up!!!!

[@divinebenoobplays5781]

Yeh bruv

[@intldawn]

Truly. I can’t imagine what must have been going through his mind, being in the stands and seeing his son hurt like that. This would have been a moment had Derek continued on and finished the race as he was but when his Dad came out...wow. It’s so pure. He wanted to be there for his kid. Brb, sobbing

[@jaredmorales9763]

Kit Yasha facts

[@Norijanicsek]

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

[@Lesterlock99]

dam straight

[@fredandjaytv]

facts

[@Angron789]

They both won that race, figuratively speaking.

[@emilyn7572]

Exactly what I just said. Makes me cry everytime

[@mirjablomstedtmalm3967]

For me is his the winner

[@problemdrinker]

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

[@robjavier8064]

his dad a shamefully outrageous bullying thug painited as a saint.

[@timmynator8036]

@@robjavier8064 why ?

[@db5094]

@@robjavier8064 stfu

[@robjavier8064]

@@db5094 Do one.Oxygen Thief

[@aumar1]

He did a great job of it too. Everyone just ran or walked away. He’s so caring and Derek is the real winner of this race

[@keeperofthefire1250]

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

[@stuhff8169]

🥺

[@franzymizzle]

beautifully said ❤️

[@GoBuddieGo]

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

[@fruitypeebils]

family is forever unless your last name is menendez

[@alltester6941]

GoGoGadgetGabe is that his father

[@nobodyhere100]

@@alltester6941 yes

[@abzd6535]

Fun fact: when this happened, his pregnant sister was watching on TV back in England and went into labor while watching

[@adrianaron9639]

Nope

[@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.

[@shujinir]

When you trained for months/years just to get killed in Normandy Beach in less than a second back in ww2. Well that's how life is.

[@WorldLeader12345]

мaѕтer zenιr Yeah but we’re not talking about WW2

[@Asstazztic]

T2 Splash you’re right, it’s more important and it still applies!

[@CodyLeslie]

@@WorldLeader12345 Normandy wasn't a sport...

[@lorainewhite727]

@@CodyLeslie We probably wouldn't be here if not for those soldiers on D-Day.

[@uk1941]

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

[@user-kk8np7ur4r]

I thought the same thing, what an honour!

[@shaaira26]

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💙

[@Llano754]

Amen to everything you said!

[@JonMo94]

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.

[@richarlisoncorrea7856]

ya!!!!

[@mgcompany7677]

is really true

[@redactedagentdataexpunged9431]

Your right. Derek Redmond is the true winner of that 400m semifinal

[@phastman]

John Doe Quincy Watts did this? Never heard that story before

[@mgcompany7677]

thank you

[@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.

[@mozvidz]

May he RIP - Hero to us all!

[@stephaniehall3950]

Wow, this is 2024 and I am still blessed by this video and experience. R.I.P. Mr. Redmond

[@desertrose2085]

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.

[@adebolabloke6962]

Exactly! Scumbag officials

[@ilsevanderbij7179]

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

[@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.

[@MsViva710]

Yes I noticed how he brushed or shoos securities away. I liked how he leaned on his dad's shoulder. I'm so grateful that he took the trip to be there and it turned out to be more than he thought he would be needed. Wow what a dad. I see the love of God in this how He shows up and carries us through whatever we ho through.

[@subhajitghoshUC]

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

[@trevgreg2]

I still have no clue who won this race (or even received the medals). That should tell you all you need to know here!

[@lillyfitzgerald9996]

@@trevgreg2 Linford Christie

[@n8george]

​@@lillyfitzgerald9996Quincy Watts in 43.5 😂 Linford won the 100m

[@miss_aery]

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

[@randomdude8060]

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

[@Poundcakebowler]

watched it live 22 years ago.....still epic moment to this day.

[@DGenerationX1311]

You watched it live?! That's so cool. Hats off to Daddy Redmond!

[@Poundcakebowler]

Lakshmi Guna I was 8 years old when it happened. It was a race that any sporting fan would never forget. Probably one of the most iconic moments in Olympic History

[@unclebuns5286]

Bill Crane so you’re like 34-35 today?

[@Alexander-ni9uh]

@@unclebuns5286 No he's 30

[@unclebuns5286]

Itz Alex his comment was 4 years ago not made today

[@phoenixshade3]

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.

[@jamesdick2580]

+Allan Oruoch if there was a version without any music, i dont think it's on here anymore. i searched and searched, and every single video i've found has some sort of music edited into it.

[@Oz-suka17]

+phoenixshade3 Well, no need to repeat the same complain, you explained it correctly, sir.

[@roseviolet1]

I thought it was beautiful.

[@MrEwooly]

The original video I saw (I think from the US Network feed) had shots of his father coming out of the stands, being semi-hassled by security and ignoring them before making it out to the track to help Derek - beyond inspirational. For EVERY parent who has stood by and done what they could do to help their child pursue his/her dream - regardless of whether they were ultimately successful -- this is a superb illustration, although it would have been that much more superb if they had canned the music and just let the announcers describe what was happening - the crowd rising and cheering as Derek made it to the finish line is near the top of my Olympic and sports moments. I used to do a bit of coaching in a really well-designed youth program - and here's what I tried to teach my kids because it's a life lesson I was fortunate enought to be taught by my Dad when I was 9: there's always somebody who is better than you - more talent, bigger, faster, etc.; in the end the ONLY thing you have control over is your effort and whether or not you win the race or the game is less important than what you've accomplished by simply doing your best to compete.

[@Handgun777]

not when it's cliche. If it's a band or orchestra that's a whole different story.

[@shadeauGU]

This will make any man tear up... The physical and emotional pain in his sons face as he puts his arm around him.... Gets me everytime

[@josephbruceryan6438]

Rest in power, Mr. Redmond. You're an inspiration to fathers everywhere.

[@aarongilbert1294]

I promised myself I wouldn't cry (watching 3rd time in a row) and here I am weeping. Again.

[@pklboat]

ITS HEALTHY TO CRY

[@LALowKeys]

This is the best cry to cry tho.

[@daniellemuir441]

meee 2 and i'm in publuc...embarassing lol

[@Mia15239]

Same 😢

[@Mia15239]

Same 😢

[@hebrux]

Yes it's sad that he didn't win the race but look at his courage to never give up! He was injured but he still wanted to finish the race!

[@nizz600]

This guy trains with me at my Kickboxing club, and he's such a great guy. I'm proud that I train with him :)

[@hebrux]

Wow

[@harmeetsinghnagi]

Niall3920 lucky u :) god bless

[@bloktuBes15]

way to state the obvious

[@sinead3337]

Yeah I would have never would have been able to do that!

[@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".

[@porterwake3898]

RIP Jim. This video always gets me. This is a dad, this is love. There needs to be more of this in the world and it would be a better place in all communities.

[@DanielBiggins17]

57 people have no idea how much work was put in to prepare for that race and what it is really like to be a true champion.

[@filipeminh6877]

64 now

[@DanielBiggins17]

sbtbfanatic Please, go out and run a 44-45 sec 400. I would love to see you try. Just another person who doesn't respect athletes and the effort that they put into their work. And most of all, how dare you say that his injury was a good thing. Get lost internet troll.

[@sbtbfanatic]

Daniel Biggins Obviously I cannot run a 400m in 44 seconds. However, getting injured is the reason why Redmond is famous. I heard he gives motivational speeches because of this! He would have been lucky to make the final and was not a threat to medal. His injury was clearly the best thing that could have happened to him.

[@bigbobabc123]

+Daniel Biggins he's a fast man. but he's not the fastest 400m runner on the planet, or should i say wasn't in 1992.

[@KeepLeftProductionz]

+sbtbfanatic Injury is never the best thing to happen to any athlete. The injury gave him fame, big whoop, he would never say he was glad the injury happened. Fame is irrelevant, they love to run fast, and injury takes that away.

[@AgentSniperPro132]

Whatever you start, You must finish with your best effort. This man and his father did a beautiful job of that!

[@rameshs3142]

Ya it's true...

[@janepeterson1261]

Just heard that Jim has passed away. Came here to watch this beautiful moment and can’t help but tear up. Such a beautiful display of father-son love

[@PhantoRoyce]

Seeing your child in pain takes you back to the first time you held them. When you said “I will do everything possible to keep you safe” and that’s what he did. Reminds me of my awesome dad

[@KerrRobinson]

as heartbreaking as it must have been for Derek, it was an amazing sight to see his father come to his sons aid. Fantastic.

[@five-clawdragon]

I break into tears every time I see this. What a beautiful father. Father and son won the platinum medal that day. The definition of Olympic spirit.

[@andrepinheiro3269]

Realmente emocionante, eu também sinto isso.

[@bill7984]

RIP to his dad, a moment that will never be forgotten

[@jovannybecerra1731]

Love my dad ... watching this in 2019 on fathers day!

[@ramonowens8957]

Jovanny Becerra same

[@deeswavvey3503]

Jovanny Becerra same

[@Nananki]

I can't believe he even hobbled with a torn hamstring. it must have been devastatingly painful not just physically but emotionally, to invest so much of your life into a goal to have it snatched away in an instant like that.

[@TheAlanakane]

Did anyone notice the "Just Do it"?

[@jerictroy2586]

Yup

[@buddyo6399]

They actually used this in commercials

[@ict12_lavariasdarts.3]

Im wearing a “Just do it.” Shirt

[@mubara12]

TheAlanakane yup

[@toxicvillain]

Have you hugged your foot today?

[@faithmcdonald3428]

I heard that his father passed away a few moments ago while watching a snippet of this on Instagram. Came on you tube to see if I could find a full video of the race. What an incredible and heartfelt story. RIP to his father ❤🙏🏽

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

RIP Jim Redmond. Thank you for one of the greatest Olympic moments ever.

[@Undeadwolfy_]

Don't care what anyone says. On the night, Derek Redmond was a winner.

[@katherinewilson1853]

I remember watching that. It was devastating.

[@clunkmess]

The best Nike ad... EVER.

[@waggsish]

Jim Redmond; rest in peace, mate

[@goldcoloredstar]

R.I.P. Jim Redmond. A great Human, but an even more extraordinary Father.

[@joibenjamin2223]

His Dad showed so much love that day ❤️

[@lucyloft4398]

that's the other reason this brought tears to my eyes. His dad had his back. Respect to both men!!

[@joibenjamin2223]

+Lucy Loft right! It's like no matter how old you get, your parents will always be there for you

[@larniedurrant672]

I cried so much at this video :( It's so beautiful... Strong man. :) 💪🏆🏁

[@joseantonio-bm3yn]

no puede ser larnie !!eres el amor de mi vida , me aparecio tu nombre en sue;o.. esto no tiene sentido....porfavor respondeme

[@huongdang8590]

Larnie Durrant me too

[@mattr3927]

As a father myself this was very emotional for me. A true father would do anything for his kids no matter what. Seeing the sadness in Derek's face woukd bring a tear to anyone. Well done dad! And Derek!

[@spencerbyfield1490]

RIP Mr Redmond. From one father to another ❤️

[@JamesSmith-bx5ve]

that is a real olympic athlet, someone who finishes what he startet no matter what comes. sadly we don't see something like that often so respect to him.

[@blueshades98]

but what did he achieve in completing the race?I still dont understand . I just want to know what is the special thing everyone talks about because it seems special . No disrespect

[@JamesSmith-bx5ve]

+Ei Jing Tan he didn't give up and that's very important doesn't matter what you do in your life because if you give up you never gonna achieve your goals do you get the point or should I try to explain it a bit more ?

[@blueshades98]

but the rest of them already completed the race... he has nothing achieve .. pls explain more i really appreciate ur reply

[@LittleClarinetPlayer]

+Ei Jing Tan as a swimmer, if that happened to me, I would finish. Spending 4 years training to not even finish?!? You can always say I finished strong. At districts I lost my googles but I still finished my 100 Free. It's so easy to want to walk away and hide but you want to finish. At that point winning doesn't matter, but finishing

[@blueshades98]

+LittleClarinetPlayer thanks i prefer your answer . Now in understand a little better why he finished it. Thank you

[@graveyardhigh3357]

This video is SO sad.It makes me cry every time I see it.😭😢😥

[@Kaigirl27]

Same :(

[@brandonGCHACHU]

its not sad. its great!!

[@akyelam4994]

lol you are stupid

[@akyelam4994]

i know

[@erikacobb]

My deepest condolences to Derek Redmond and his family. I don’t remember very much of the 1992 Olympics but remember where the phrase “never give up” came from. Derek grimaced in pain and dismay you could see his spirit refusing to give up. Seeing his father emerge and running to comfort his son so that he would not be alone when he crossed the finish line was emotional for us all. While Derek did not receive a medal for this race, I feel that both he and his father should have received a special medal for “determination and courage”. This was truly an inspiration moment that has taught me to never give up. Rest in paradise Mr. Jim Redmond. This was a memorable moment to witness, and a moment I will never forget.

[@theleap2946]

They did earn a special medal in my mind….30 years later many of us remember this but we don’t even remember who the Dream Team demolished or the political strife in the underbelly of this particular games. We definitely remember this. And when Derek passes some day we will see this again.

[@kevinprior3549]

No matter how many times u see it it still makes you cry

[@siamshafiq5638]

He may have not won the race, but he won our hearts.

[@SilverGrizzly]

You should apply for a job at Hallmark.

[@adarrelomarfisher4710]

Out of the blue I just remembered this and then googled it and it popped right up. I saw this live as a child and now as a father I really understand it.

[@lisaniekdam4720]

At the end of the video when his dad took his son hand off his face it’s like he’s saying “Son walk with pride because you are the true winner today! You did it!” Injured and all but he didn’t give up! So proud of this father son bond!

[@Praveen-jz8ux]

Anyone still watching in 2019?

[@irenepickering5522]

yea watching it again and I still cry

[@21Dazzler]

Yep

[@CarlBishoprealtor]

Yes, still gets me everytime

[@_kachapin]

Doha 2019 led me to this

[@mwendatitus6061]

Yea

[@deltaloraine]

Oh my goodness, this is the saddest thing I've ever seen. He seems like such a hard worker. He couldn't help that his hamstring snapped, that poor man. He had the will to push through and try to finish. What a inspiration.

[@khoahoang4336]

I don't normally get too emotional, but man my eyes welled up seeing this.

[@robthenash]

RIP Jim… one day I wish I can be father to support my child like this. ❤

[@DorothyEHines]

Rest in Power to Derek's dad! I understand how being there for your child is one of a parent's greatest legacy that will never be forgotten! ♥️♥️♥️

[@camilam9293]

cant stop crying

[@harmeetsinghnagi]

likewise ~

[@unlocked6352]

I AM SOBBING

[@borderlinegeek8449]

Jim Redmond, that’s the name of the dad. He died today at the age of 81. May his soul rest in peace

[@digitalabilia]

Since the day my son was born I realized I would do the very same thing this Father did. Respect.

[@jcanthony16]

When I am feeling down I watch this. It inspires me to keep going no matter how I feel or what is going on. KEEP GOING FINISH THE RACE

[@PicuPiee]

give this man a "No Give Up" medal !! and him father a "Good Father" medal ! :')

[@laszlolorenzi979]

“Never let success get to your head. Never let failure get to your heart.” - Andre De Grasse

[@geoffreyb4456]

Rest In Peace Jim Redmond 😔 You were the father that everyone deserved.

[@dragoscoman7647]

People like him make us proud. Winners never quit. My respect goes out to him and his father. One of the best motivational videos out there.

[@MrEwooly]

The original video I saw (I think from the US Network feed) had shots of his father coming out of the stands, being semi-hassled by security and ignoring them before making it out to the track to help Derek - beyond inspirational. For EVERY parent who has stood by and done what they could do to help their child pursue his/her dream - regardless of whether they were ultimately successful -- this is a superb illustration, although it would have been that much more superb if they had canned the music and just let the announcers describe what was happening - the crowd rising and cheering as Derek made it to the finish line is near the top of my Olympic and sports moments. I used to do a bit of coaching in a really well-designed youth program - and here's what I tried to teach my kids because it's a life lesson I was fortunate enought to be taught by my Dad when I was 9: there's always somebody who is better than you - more talent, bigger, faster, etc.; in the end the ONLY thing you have control over is your effort and whether or not you win the race or the game is less important than what you've accomplished by simply doing your best to compete.

[@acigercek]

RIP Jim Redmond... True inspiration

[@jasonjohnston94]

Jim Redmond, the best ever father of an Olympic athlete, passed away on October 5, 2022 at the age of 81. Well done, Jim. 😢🌹

[@Leon-kg9pc]

This guy is an inspiration. They man is a hero for people who think they can't do it when things get tough.

[@filmgirlLisa]

how many times have I seen this and still can't get through it without crying...

[@John_Notmylastname]

The single greatest moment in Olympic history in my opinion. He wasn’t showing much emotion until his father arrived. Once he realize his father was there to support him he just let it all out right there. Shout out to all the dads doing right by their kids every day.

[@xisophie9986]

he is so lucky to have such a supporting dad that willing to help him . when I was 10 y/o my dad even scolded me when I faint at school .

[@joshp8248]

Two sets of pain: his Olympic medal dream over; and the physical pain of a torn hamstring. But he still wanted to finish the race. Incredibly inspiring.

[@jubilitesconsultants6903]

If you don't care about what others say or think, you can do a very simple thing that will still touch people's lives 30yrs later, & even after you're long gone. Just Do It. Special moment.

[@nicktarp95]

You gotta be messed up to dislike this video… Happy Father’s Day to all dads out there!

[@wellermindy]

I was 11 years old when this happened. I dont remember it but that is a prime example of the human spirit. Good for him for finishing.

[@odonnchadha1978]

I was 11 as well, watching with my dad. I was in track at my school 400 800 mile so we always watched anything track. When the father got to him i looked over at my dad and we both had tears. Ill never forget that. Hes gone now and watching that moment again is so hard. Everybody replayed that keri strugg moment, and it was a great moment but this was transcendent.

[@smoothkeys9119]

WHO'S CUTTING ONIONS?

[@ltsmeet]

Not me - I was cutting the cheese.

[@jaymax200studios2]

Condolences to Your Father Derek he will be remembered.

[@nick5422]

Fly high, Mr Redmond 🕊️

[@MoffatNgala]

really amazimg.... in life we need to finish all our races that we start that's the biggest lesson I get from here

[@blueshades98]

but why

[@drvolive]

I have a son...this is what we fathers are supposed to do...great father...brave son...!

[@them0ther]

I cry every time I see this -- my heart swells with admiration too. Thanks to this Dad!

[@afiffurqan9963]

bro i cried so hard i have never experience love from my dad wish i had that ngl

[@Elyannia]

First time seeing this, this dedication and love between father and son... the Olympic flame is not only lightened in the Olympics, it's alive from the moment an athlete choses to not give up on his dreams

[@Skac01]

I had many heroes in my life, but the biggest one was always my dad.

[@JHen-ls9vc]

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

[@stay_solid3461]

I watch this video every Father's day. Happy Father's Day and god bless all the fathers out there who love and support their families

[@buzzvideoz1822]

What will the world be without fathers? They have the strength and courage to protect.. but also they have the gentleness when it needed to be.. i salute every responsible fathers out there! Reject modernity!

[@phil3999]

I just read Jim Redmond passed away. So many years later that moment still shines as an example of love. Thank you Jim and rest in peace

[@simplemanboba]

RIP to a great dad. Mine just passed away so it is comforting watching this video.

[@butterxo3094]

Worth much more than a gold medal

[@karenyr0702]

This is our role as a parent, we help our children to reach the finish line. Well done. 👏👏👏

[@ClueyyHD]

RIP Jim Redmond. Derek and Jim won all of our hearts here.

[@hessedjoyvariety]

How can people dislike this? It's such a beautiful story!

[@caitlinvarnam1484]

Just because you don’t come first you still have a place in your dad’s heart

[@Thenuttiestmeg]

Dads doing great things to support their children will always make me tear up

[@nadiralallaoui]

never give up that's what i saw in that guy you have my respect , you are a legend

[@Uncircuited]

RIP Jim Redmond. A legend forever.

[@queenkindnessmobio7845]

REST IN PEACE PAPA KING JIM REDMOND RESPECT🙇🏿‍♀️👑

[@lfc4life496]

Now that's a real FATHER