Derek gets off to a good start. Coming around the first bend in the track, tragedy struck as Derek’s hamstring went. Initially he thought he had been shot because the pain was so great. His leg would not function. London’s The Guardian newspaper quoted him, “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 metres to go, I felt a hand on my shoulder. It was my old man.”
Derek hopped on one leg for half a lap before his father came to his aid. Together they finished the race arm-in-arm to a standing ovation. Now, some 17 years after the race, not many people remember who won that semi-final race or who even won the final. But, many still remember Derek Redmond.
Who can you lean on?
That was his Dad? OMG, this totally made tear up. (I'm such a sap!)
ReplyDeleteHow funny is it that his Dad is wearing a shirt that says "Have you hugged....." (can't read the rest of it, I'm dying to find out what it says!!!!)
It says something like "have you hugged your shoes"...!!! Too funny!
ReplyDeleteor sneakers...I think it was sneakers!
ReplyDeleteOk. It's official ...it's "have you hugged your foot today".
ReplyDeleteI so remember this!!!! I am a track and field junkie (having once been a H.S. Sprinter) and this is one of the most memorable moments in the sport. Great reminder.
ReplyDelete