Father who helped son cross finish line at '92 Olympics dies

Derek Redmond of Great Britain winces in pain as he is helped by his father, Jim Redmond at the end of the men's 400 meter semi-final. He was injured mid-way through the race, snapping his hamstring, but insisted on finishing. Redmond's father broke from stands and chased by officials, reached his son to help him cross the finish line, creating one of the most inspirational moments of all time. Robert Deutsch via Imagn Content Services, LLC

Father who famously helped son cross finish line at 1992 Olympics dies

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 10/4/22

One of the iconic figures of the 1992 Summer Olympics held in Barcelona, Spain, has passed away.

Reuters reported Tuesday that Jim Redmond, father of retired British athlete Derek Redmond, has died at the age of 81.

Jim and Derek forever became a part of Olympic history when the latter suffered a brutal hamstring injury in the semifinal leg of the 400-meter event. As Rick Weinberg recalled for ESPN back in 2004, Derek refused medical attention and vowed to himself he would hobble to the finish line as Jim journeyed from the top row of the stands toward his son even though the father had no credentials to enter the track.

Jim eventually reached Derek, and the pair "finished" the race together:

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

"I'm the proudest father alive," Jim said during a press conference held shortly after the race. "I'm prouder of him than I would have been if he had won the gold medal. It took a lot of guts for him to do what he did."

Meanwhile, Team GB also addressed the news of Jim's passing via a statement.

"Rest in peace Jim Redmond, father to Derek, whose Olympic moment will never be forgotten," the organization said.

Jim later served as a torch bearer for the London 2012 Olympics.

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