Derek Richmond was born in England in 1965 to parents of West Indian heritage. Growing up, he realized he had exceptional speed. At 20, he broke the British record for the 400 meters. He ran races as a solo performer and a member of a relay team.
In 1986, his relay team won the 4×400 European Championships. One year later, his relay team won a silver medal at the World Championship. In 1991, he was a participant in a relay team that won the gold medal at the World Championship.
Derek had a strong chance for a gold medal in the 400m event in the Barcelona Olympics. On the qualifying first race, he had the fastest time. Subsequently, he won the quarter-final. In the semi-final, he tore his hamstring 250m from the finish line. He fell to the track as stretcher bearers raced to help him. What happened next became one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history.
Derek refused support from the stretcher-bearers. He wanted to finish the race. He began to painfully continue the race. His father soon joined him. Leaning on his father’s shoulder, Derek finished the race. You can see the end of the race here.
As he crossed the finish line, the stands erupted with cheers. According to Olympic records, he never finished the race, but that wasn’t what anyone watching him would accept.
Two years later, Derek’s Doctor told him he would never race again. His competitive drive remained. Derek turned to basketball, where he has played professionally. He has also participated in auto and bike racing.
While Derek’s hopes for an Olympic gold medal were never fulfilled, he has been a role model of courage and fortitude. Stories of unfulfilled hopes can often be the most inspiring ones because they let others know that there are many ways that one can be a winner in life.
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“Consult not your fears, but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with that it is still possible for you to do.”–Pope John XXIII