What Was Derek Redmond's 400m Time? Remembering An Olympic Legend's Record And Courage
So, when we talk about athletes who leave an unforgettable mark, it's almost impossible not to think about Derek Redmond. His story, you know, goes way beyond mere statistics or race times. There's that powerful thought: "Speed is measured in seconds, You can’t measure courage." That really sums up his career, especially what happened on a summer afternoon in Barcelona.
Derek Anthony Redmond, born on September 4, 1965, is a retired British sprinter, actually. During his active years, he held the British record for the 400 meters sprint. He also helped secure gold medals in the 4 × 400 metres relay at both the World Championships and the European Championships, so he was a pretty big deal.
While he was certainly one of the best European 400-meter runners of the late 80s and early 90s, and even a world champion as part of the British 4x400 relay team, holding the national record for seven years, it's arguably that one moment at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics that people remember most vividly. He was, in a way, in the form of his life, having started his Olympic campaign by comfortably running the fastest time in the preliminary round the day before, you see.
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Table of Contents
- Derek Redmond: Personal Details & Biography
- Derek Redmond: A Champion's Early Strides
- The Weight of Expectation: Barcelona 1992
- The Unforgettable Moment: Hamstring and Heart
- Beyond the Track: Derek Redmond's Lasting Legacy
- Frequently Asked Questions About Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond: Personal Details & Biography
For those curious about the man behind the incredible story, here are some key details about Derek Redmond's life and career, just a little bit of background.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derek Anthony Redmond |
| Born | September 4, 1965 |
| Nationality | British |
| Sport | Athletics (Sprinting) |
| Primary Event | 400 Metres |
| Notable Achievements | British 400m Record Holder, World Champion (4x400m Relay), European Champion (4x400m Relay) |
| British 400m Record | First broke in 1985 with 44.82 seconds |
| Olympic Appearances | 1988 Seoul, 1992 Barcelona |
Derek Redmond: A Champion's Early Strides
Derek Redmond was, in fact, a truly gifted runner long before that famous Olympic moment. He was one of Britain's most celebrated athletes during the 1980s and 1990s, very much a top talent. He had, you know, already broken the British 400m record on two separate occasions, which really shows his speed and dedication.
His first time setting the British record for the 400 meters came in 1985, with a very quick run of 44.82 seconds. That was, for its time, a fantastic achievement and solidified his place as a top-tier sprinter. He wasn't just fast on his own, either.
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In 1986, Derek Redmond was an important part of the team that captured the 4x400 meters relay gold medal at the European Championships, which was a big win. Then, moving forward, he was also a key member of the team that won the men's 4 × 400 metres event at the 1991 IAAF World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. That victory was, quite remarkably, achieved in what was then the fourth fastest time in history for that event, which is just incredible, really.
He was a world and European relay champion, a bit of a powerhouse in the team events. His individual speed, as well as his ability to perform under pressure in a relay, made him a truly valuable athlete for Great Britain. His career was, however, rather frustrated by injuries, something that would sadly come to define much of his time on the track, you know.
The Weight of Expectation: Barcelona 1992
By the time the 1992 Barcelona Olympics rolled around, Derek Redmond was, in a way, carrying a lot of hope. He had felt, apparently, that he was in the very best shape of his life, ready to really shine on the world stage. This was a particularly important moment for him, considering his past Olympic experiences.
His running career had, as a matter of fact, been consistently hampered by various injuries. Back in 1988, for instance, Redmond had been forced to pull out of the opening heat of the Olympic 400m contest just two minutes before the race was even supposed to begin. That must have been incredibly disheartening, to be so close and then have it snatched away, basically.
Leading up to Barcelona, he had, in fact, undergone five different operations. One of these was, you know, a major procedure, showing the extent of the physical challenges he had faced. Despite all these setbacks and the long road to recovery, he arrived in Barcelona feeling strong and prepared, which is truly a testament to his resolve. He had, after all, comfortably run the fastest time in the preliminary round, so the stage was set for something special.
The Unforgettable Moment: Hamstring and Heart
The scene was the 400-meter semifinal race at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, a moment that would etch itself into sports history. Derek Redmond was, quite literally, prepared to give his all. He felt, as we know, that he was in the best shape of his life, ready to make his mark. But then, tragedy struck, just a little way into the race.
Coming around the bend, it happened on the back straight of heat 1, about 150 meters into the race. Derek Redmond tore his hamstring, a truly agonizing injury for any sprinter. He crumpled to the ground in pain, and it certainly looked like his Olympic dream was over, just like that. Samson Kitur, by the way, earned Kenya's first medal in the men's 400 metres since 1972 in that event, and Steve Lewis became the third man (and first American) to win a second medal in the event, but the focus, naturally, shifted to Redmond.
Instead of giving up, though, Derek did something truly remarkable. He rose to his feet, despite the searing pain, and began hobbling toward the finish line. It was an act of pure will, a demonstration that his spirit was unbroken, you know. Then, in a moment that brought tears to many eyes, his father, Jim, rushed onto the track from the stands. Jim, you see, was there to help his son, to support him in this incredibly difficult moment.
Together, they limped toward the finish. It was a slow, agonizing journey for Derek, with his father's arm around him, offering physical and emotional support. This act of courage and familial love, captured for the world to see, transformed a moment of athletic failure into one of the most inspiring tales in Olympic history. Finishing the race, Derek Redmond was a great runner, yes, but he was, in a way, an even greater finisher that day, pretty much.
Beyond the Track: Derek Redmond's Lasting Legacy
Derek Redmond's inspirational 400m race at Barcelona 1992 is, honestly, a moment that continues to resonate with people today. It's not just about what was Derek Redmond's 400 time, but about the spirit he showed when his time was cut short. His story is often shared as an example of incredible mental resilience and sheer determination. He truly embodies the idea that giving up is not always an option, even when faced with overwhelming physical pain, you know.
The powerful statement, "Speed is measured in seconds, You can’t measure courage," is very much at the heart of why his story remains so compelling. It reminds us that some achievements go beyond medals or personal bests. His actions that day showed a different kind of victory, one rooted in human spirit and perseverance. Even now, years later, his experience serves as a powerful reminder for athletes and everyday people alike about overcoming obstacles, basically.
He is, in some respects, probably best remembered for the events of that summer afternoon in Barcelona, more so than his British record or his relay gold medals. The image of him limping across the finish line with his father is, quite simply, an iconic moment that transcends sport. It's a story that teaches us about the human capacity for strength when everything seems lost, and that's a lesson that, you know, really sticks with you.
To learn more about on our site, and link to this page . You can also find more information about athletic records and history on World Athletics, a very good source for such details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Derek Redmond
What was Derek Redmond's best 400m time?
Derek Redmond first broke the British record for the 400 meters in 1985 with a run of 44.82 seconds. He held the British record for the 400 metres sprint for seven years during his career, so that was, in a way, his benchmark.
What happened to Derek Redmond at the 1992 Olympics?
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, during the 400-meter semifinal race, Derek Redmond tore his hamstring about 150 meters into the race, on the back straight. Despite the severe injury, he refused to give up and began to hobble towards the finish line. His father, Jim, then came onto the track to support him, and together they completed the race, a truly inspiring moment, you know.
Did Derek Redmond win any medals?
Yes, Derek Redmond won several significant medals during his career. He won gold medals in the 4 × 400 metres relay at the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo and at the 1986 European Championships. He was, in fact, a world and European relay champion, which is pretty impressive.
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Derek Redmond
Derek Redmond - Useful Talent
