April 4th: Today’s Feature

April

Derek Anthony Redmond, (born 4 September 1965), a retired British sprinter, had an illustrious career in athletics. He not only held the British record for the 400 metres sprint but also achieved remarkable success in the 4x400 metres relay at both the World Championships and European Championships, earning gold medals for his country.

Personal Life

Redmond, a native of Bletchley in Buckinghamshire, was born to parents who had immigrated from the West Indies. He received his education at Roade School in Northamptonshire, where he is honoured with a multi-use sports hall named after him. Known for his support of Newcastle United, Redmond has been an active advocate for the team and its success.

In 1994, Redmond tied the knot with British Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies in Northampton. The couple welcomed two children into their family, Elliott Anthony and Grace Elizabeth. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end in 2000. Subsequently, on 26 August 2011, Redmond entered into marriage with Maria Yates. Additionally, in August 2014, Redmond joined a group of two hundred public figures in signing a letter to The Guardian expressing their opposition to Scottish independence in the lead-up to the referendum that took place in September of that year.

Athletics Career

Redmond initially set the British record for the 400 meters in 1985, clocking in at 44.82 seconds. However, his record was later surpassed by Roger Black. Nevertheless, Redmond managed to reclaim the record in 1987, showcasing his resilience and determination in the sport of athletics.

Throughout his career, Redmond faced numerous setbacks due to injuries. For instance, at the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, he had to withdraw from the 400 meters event just 90 seconds before his heat due to an Achilles tendon injury. Similarly, leading up to the 1992 Summer Olympics, Redmond had to undergo a total of eight operations to address various injuries, highlighting the physical toll that elite-level athletics can take on an athlete's body. Despite these challenges, Redmond's achievements, such as his gold medal win at the 1991 World Championships in the 4x400 meters relay, solidified his legacy as a talented and resilient athlete in the world of track and field.

1992 Summer Olympics

Redmond's performance during the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 was nothing short of remarkable. He showcased his exceptional form by posting the fastest time in the first round, setting the stage for an impressive run. In his quarter-final race, Redmond displayed his prowess once again, emerging as the victor. However, it was during the semi-final that adversity struck.

Despite starting the race strongly, Redmond's hamstring tore in the back straight, approximately 250 meters away from the finish line. The excruciating pain forced him to come to a halt, and he collapsed onto the ground. Concerned stretcher bearers quickly made their way to him, ready to provide assistance. However, Redmond, determined to finish what he had started, made a courageous decision. Ignoring the pain, he mustered the strength to continue hobbling along the track.

In a heartwarming turn of events, Redmond's father, Jim Redmond, joined him on the track. Defying security measures, Jim rushed to his son's side, offering unwavering support. Together, they completed the remaining lap of the track, with Derek leaning on his father's shoulder for stability. As they crossed the finish line, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd of 65,000 spectators, who rose to their feet, giving Derek a standing ovation. However, despite the overwhelming display of courage and determination, Derek's official disqualification remained unchanged, as his father's assistance violated the rules. According to Olympic records, Derek was recorded as "Did Not Finish" the race.

The inspiring story of Redmond's struggle and his unwavering spirit captured the attention of the International Olympic Committee. It became the subject of one of their "Celebrate Humanity" videos, emphasising that courage cannot be measured. In 2008, Redmond's journey was further highlighted in a Visa advertisement as part of the "Go World" series, narrated by the renowned actor Morgan Freeman. The advertisement acknowledged that although they finished last, Derek and his father's determination to complete the race was a testament to their indomitable spirit.

Tragically, on 10 January 2012, it was announced that Jim Redmond, Derek's father, would be one of the Olympic torchbearers for the London Summer Games. However, before he could fulfil this honour, Jim passed away in October 2022 at the age of 81. His legacy lives on through his son's incredible story of resilience and the enduring bond they shared on that fateful day.

Retirement from Sport

Following the Olympics in Barcelona, Redmond received devastating news from a surgeon who informed him that he would never be able to run again or represent his country in sports. Despite the initial setback, Redmond eventually came to terms with the loss of his athletic career and redirected his focus to other sports that he found enjoyable, thanks to the encouragement of his father. As a result, he embarked on a successful journey in professional basketball, playing for both the Birmingham Bullets and the England national team.

In addition to his achievements in basketball, Redmond also held a prominent role as the Director of Development for sprints and hurdles at UK Athletics. This position allowed him to contribute his expertise and knowledge to the growth and development of these disciplines within the organisation.

Redmond's versatility extended beyond athletics, as he showcased his talents in various other domains. In 1994, he emerged victorious in the popular television show Celebrity Gladiators, and during the third series of Gladiators, he served as the "Official Timekeeper" under the watchful eye of Referee John Anderson. Furthermore, Redmond demonstrated his versatility as a commentator for Eurosport and even hosted a basketball show on ITV, showcasing his passion for the sport.

Redmond's passion for motorsports led him to participate in motorcycle racing as part of the Hottrax Motorsport Racing Club. Collaborating with Maria Costello, their team, known as Costello Redmond Racing, achieved an impressive second-place finish in the 2009 Senior 1000 Tag Endurance championship. This gruelling competition involved three team members racing in a relay style over a demanding six-hour period across seven national UK circuits.

Presently, Redmond has found a new calling as a motivational speaker on the conference circuit. Through sharing his inspiring story of triumph in the 4x400 gold medal race and recounting his famous ordeal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, he motivates and uplifts audiences. Additionally, Redmond co-owns a Superbike team, further showcasing his continued involvement and passion for motorsports.

In 2015, Redmond joined Thomas International, a renowned psychometric assessment provider, as their Group Performance Director. In this role, he utilises his expertise and experience to enhance the performance and potential of individuals and teams. Redmond's diverse background and accomplishments make him a valuable asset to the organisation, contributing to their mission of unlocking human potential through psychometric assessments.