Jim Redmond passed away at the age of 81. He is best known for helping his son Derek stumble across the finish line of a race at the 1992 Olympics.
At the Olympics in Barcelona, the British competitor ran the quickest time in his heat of the 400-meter semifinal race, but he tore his hamstring as he entered the back straight.
Jim, Derek’s dad, sped past security to join his son on the track. Jim cradled his hurt son while tears streamed down his face. The audience applauded them while they made their way slowly to the finish line.
After learning of Redmond’s passing, the official Olympic Games Twitter account wrote, “Our thoughts are with Derek Redmond and his family following the death of his father, Jim.”
Our thoughts are with Derek Redmond and his family following the death of his father, Jim.
Together, they brought us one of the most inspirational moments in Olympic history. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/IyHekB2fyP
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 4, 2022
Injuries have hampered Derek’s career. He had five operations before the 1992 Olympic Games, one of which was on his Achilles tendon.
Jim Redmond was chosen as a torchbearer for the nationwide Olympic torch relay in London in 2012, 20 years after the motivational event.