The Father Who Left the Stands

In the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond was favored to medal in the 400-meter semifinal. Then, at the 150-meter mark, he heard a sharp pop — his hamstring had torn. He crumpled to the track, then, refusing to quit, forced himself upright and began hopping forward through tears.

What happened next has been called one of the most powerful moments in Olympic history. From the stands, Derek's father Jim Redmond saw his son fall. He pushed past security guards, leaped a barrier, and sprinted across the track. He reached Derek, put his arm around him, and said, "You don't have to do this."

"Yes, I do," Derek replied.

"Then we'll finish together," his father said.