Derek’s memorable performance in the 400m at the Olympics in Barcelona 24 years ago has gone viral – and then some!
Just a week after it was posted on Facebook’s Olympic page, Derek’s determination never to give up had been viewed a staggering 88 million times!
In what has now become an iconic moment in Olympic history, Derek was looking good in the 400m in 1992, having qualified for the semi-finals by recording the fastest time in his heat. He left the blocks confidently and at 250m was making good headway, but then the unthinkable happened – his hamstring snapped. Determined to finish, Derek got to his feet and began to hobble his way to the finish line.
Soon, his father Jim came onto the track to help his son, dismissing track officials and walking with him all the way to the end. This incredible moment has since been acknowledged around the world as an example of how the human spirit can triumph over adversity, with USA President Barack Obama going out of his way to praise Derek’s determination and bravery.
Derek is now an internationally respected keynote speaker and has spoken for some of the world’s leading businesses, including Johnson and Johnson, IBM and Lloyds Bank.