A FATHER'S LOVE
(deactivated member)
on 8/11/08 5:07 am
on 8/11/08 5:07 am
A FATHER'S LOVE
This is one of my favorite Olympic memories. It comes from the 1992 Olympics.
Derek Redmond had been a world record holder but had had injuries that had kep him from competing on the Olympic level. When he did make it, he had run well in his first two heats. That changed in the semi-finals when he pulled his hamstring.
"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 his father.
The crowd of 70,000 stand to cheer as Jim Redmond, wearing a distinctive T-shirt that asked "Have You Hugged Your Foot Today?" runs on to the track, slows his son back to a hobble and throws a supportive arm around him.
Jim Redmond waves away the officials blocking the way and takes a step back to watch his son finish the slowest 400m in Olympic history.
I can't remember who won the race that day but I do remember watching as they exited the track together. Redmond continuing to weep, being comforted by his dad.
This is one of my favorite Olympic memories. It comes from the 1992 Olympics.
Derek Redmond had been a world record holder but had had injuries that had kep him from competing on the Olympic level. When he did make it, he had run well in his first two heats. That changed in the semi-finals when he pulled his hamstring.
"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 his father.
The crowd of 70,000 stand to cheer as Jim Redmond, wearing a distinctive T-shirt that asked "Have You Hugged Your Foot Today?" runs on to the track, slows his son back to a hobble and throws a supportive arm around him.
Jim Redmond waves away the officials blocking the way and takes a step back to watch his son finish the slowest 400m in Olympic history.
I can't remember who won the race that day but I do remember watching as they exited the track together. Redmond continuing to weep, being comforted by his dad.
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