The Finish Line He Never Expected to Run Alone

On July 3, 1992, at the Barcelona Olympics, British sprinter Derek Redmond lined up for the 400-meter semifinal. He had trained for years, endured twenty-two surgeries, and finally made it to the biggest stage in the world. Then, halfway through the race, his hamstring snapped.

Derek crumpled to the track. Medical staff rushed toward him with a stretcher, but he waved them off. He stood up and began hobbling toward the finish line, tears streaming down his face. The crowd of 65,000 fell silent.

Then a large man pushed past security and ran onto the track. It was Jim Redmond, Derek's father. He wrapped his arm around his son's shoulder and whispered, "We're going to finish this together." Step by agonizing step, father and son made their way down the final stretch. The crowd rose to its feet. By the time they crossed the line, the entire stadium was weeping.

Derek didn't win a medal that day. He didn't even post an official time. But he finished — because his father refused to let him suffer alone.

This is the hope the Gospel offers. The Almighty does not promise us a pain-free race. But when our strength gives out, when every plan we built collapses on the track, our Heavenly Father runs to us. "I will never leave you nor forsake you," He whispers. And together, we finish.

You are never hobbling alone.