Finishing
In honor of the Olympics starting this week, I wanted to post one of my favorite Olympic moments: Derek Redmond's try for a medal in the 400 meter, Barcelona 1992. Do you remember this one?
{the clip isn't in English but it's the pure footage of the race}
I love this on so many levels. I love Derek's determination to finish, no matter what. Disappointed, not what he planned, but he perseveres. This tenacity is not my default setting--I don't know, maybe it's not anyone's default setting?--so I marvel and am inspired.
In 1992, I wasn't yet a parent. Now I also identify with his dad, determined in his own way to get to his son + wrap his arms around him, to walk next to him through the pain. Love the moments where he tears away from the security (1:00) and later hollers at the guy who tries to get him to leave. "This is my son!" (1:29). I
get that.
Here's an interview with Redmond about the race:
Go world!
We'll be watching + cheering...
Opening ceremonies are on 08/08/08
(What a great date. Also Sam's 10th birthday).