A Father Runs Onto the Track

The 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Derek Redmond of Great Britain had trained his entire life for one moment — the 400-meter semifinal. Years of surgeries and setbacks had been building toward this race. Then, 150 meters from the finish line, a sharp pop. His right hamstring tore. He crumpled to the track.

He didn't stay down. He staggered to his feet and began hobbling forward, tears streaming, teeth clenched — determined to finish no matter what. Then something happened that no one in the stadium expected. A man in a baseball cap burst through the security barrier, shoved past officials, and reached Derek's side. It was his father, Jim Redmond.

"You don't have to do this," Jim said.

"Yes, I do," Derek answered.