As strange as it feels to read an odd number next to an Olympic destination, the Tokyo 2021 games are rapidly approaching. And with it, are the memories of some of the most iconic moments of previous games. Arguably none more symbolic than Derek Redmond’s incredible finish to the 400m semi-final in 1992.
In a sequence seen (and applauded) by thousands in the stadium, millions on live TV and millions upon millions via highlight videos, Redmond finished his race in agonizing pain after suffering a hamstring injury on the back straight through his own perseverance … and with the help of a mysterious man, suddenly emerging from the Barcelona crowd: His dad!
In a BBC News interview published in 2016, Derek confirms that his demonstration of the Olympic spirit and the strength of willpower still serves as inspiration, for athletes and non-athletes alike, more than twenty years after the games in Barcelona.
In addition to being an emotional display of sportsmanship, determination and maybe just as importantly the strong bond between a father and a son, the Redmonds’ highlight clip is near and dear to the heart of the sneaker community for another reason. Jim Redmond comes to the aid of his son wearing a t-shirt from Nike’s legendary “Have you hugged your feet today?” campaign, underlining his status as a true o.g. even more in both senses of the word.
On a related note, the Nike Air Huarache, infamously depicted on Jim Redmond’s shirt, returns to BSTN on March 12th. The Scream Green colorway is available via the button below, starting at 9:00 am CET.
