• Finishing The Race

  Contributed by Chris Supper on Nov 3, 2010 (message contributor)

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  Scripture:  None

  Tags:  Endurance

  Denomination: Baptist

FINISHING THE RACE

August 1992. Derrick Redmond from Great Britain was favored to win the 400-meter race during the summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain, but as he powered around the backstretch, his hamstring snapped. Redmond tried desperately to finish the race, but he still had half the distance to go. Because he couldn't walk, he began to hop. One step--a grimace. Two steps--a yell.

Jim Redmond had to get to his struggling son. He doesn't remember all the steps down from Section 131, Row 22, Seat 25 of the Olympic Stadium. He doesn't really remember leaping over the railing or pushing off security guards who were too stunned to stop him. He was not just a spectator at the Olympics anymore; Jim Redmond was a father, and he had to get to his son.

"Dad," Derrick said, "Dad...Get me back to lane five. I want to finish."

And leaning on his father, Derrick Redmond made his way around the track as the crowd, with the whole world watching, rose to their feet cheering.