In this month’s “look-back” blog, I wanted to share one of my favorite Olympic stories ever. I know no games are going on right now, but the story goes beyond athletics and is more about the human spirit than anything.
I am sharing it with you today because someone tweeted it out recently, and I forgot that I even wrote it or what it was about, even based on the title.
So, reading the post like it wasn’t mine, I cried at the story again.
As a dad, this story means a ton to me.
But as an educator, I also think back to some of the lowest points in my career and how great colleagues and administrators brought me out of a time when I didn’t know I would be able to get back up. The lessons from the video below can be a reminder for either or both situations.
You might know the story below, or you might not.
Either way, I promise it will make your day better.
From Wikipedia:
“Derek Anthony Redmond (born 3 September 1965) is a retired British athlete. During his career, he held the British record for the 400 metres sprint, and won gold medals in the 4×400 metres relay at the World Championships and European Championships.[1]”
I don’t know what brought me back to the story of Derek Redmond, but it is not because of a race he won but a race in which he finished dead last.
Watch this video from the 1992 Olympics, which is still my favorite Olympic moment ever.
Who is cutting onions over here?!?! It is so emotional when Redmond gets back up, but when his dad comes on the track to help him, that is the world.
No matter how old or accomplished a person is, they are always someone else’s child.
That is something I think about all of the time.
Here are a few other things I love about this video:
1. I can’t tell you who won the race, but I still remember Derek Redmond. Sometimes finishing the race is one of the most powerful things we can do.
2. When tough times come, support from loved ones can mean the world. Look for people who want you to succeed and are there when you stumble. Do the people in your life kick you or cheer you when you are down, or are they there to help you get back up?
3. This story is almost 30 years old, and I still remember it. This reminds us that our stories of dealing with adversity can resonate with others for a lifetime.
Just something I wanted to share with others and revisit myself.