Derek Redmond came to the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona as a medal
favorite in the 400 meter. The popular British athlete posted the fastest time in
the event's first round and won his quarterfinal race. Then just 150 meters into
the semi-final, Redmond felt a searing pain as his right hamstring tore. After a
pause, he pressed on, wanting to finish the race. The crowd of 65,000 realized
what
was happening and rose to their feet in support. As Redmond struggled
around
the track, a man emerged from the crowd and fought past security to
get to
Derek's side. The man was Jim Redmond, Derek's father.
Though Derek officially went down in Olympic records as "Did Not Finish",
the
image of Derek's father helping him around the track became a legendary
Olympic moment, immortalized in commercials and videos like the one above.
It has become a symbol not only of courage, but of the incredible support of a
parent when his child needed him most. When the Olympics returned to London
in 2012, Jim Redmond carried the Olympic torch as part of its relay across the
country. More than 25 years later, those watching still remember this image...
but most cannot recall who actually won the 400 meter gold medal.
Whether our child is participating in the Olympics or a 6 year old soccer game,
we can provide the same positive, encouraging example seen in the video above.
Cheering from the sideline and offering them support when they need it.
Like the story of Derek Redmond, often times our simple presence, encouragement
and support
is far more memorable than the wins and losses.
