Britain's Derek Redmond

Britain's Derek Redmond was expected to compete for a medal in the track and field 400-meter race in Barcelona, but pulled a hamstring soon after the start and fell to the ground, because of an injury to his achilles. Before the 1992 Olympics, he had undergone eight operations due to injuries. However, he was in good form by the time of the event. He posted the fastest time of the first round, and went on to win his quarter-final. In the semi-final, Redmond started well, but in the back straight about 250 metres from the finish, his hamstring snapped. He hobbled to a halt, and then fell to the ground in pain. Stretcher bearers made their way over to him, but Redmond decided he wanted to finish the race. He began to hobble along the track. He was soon joined on the track by his father, Jim Redmond, who barged past security and on to the track to get to his son. Jim and Derek completed the lap of the track together, with Derek leaning on his father's shoulder for support. With Redmond wincing in pain and crying As they crossed the finish line, the crowd of 65,000 spectators rose to give Derek a standing ovation, the power of the Olympic spirit has rarely been repeated with such passion. However, as his father had helped him finish, Derek was officially disqualified and Olympic records state that he "Did Not Finish" the race.  On January 10, 2012, his father Jim was announced that he will be one of the Olympic torch bearers in London during the summer games.  

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