ACHIEVEMENTS
Dr Derek Redmond OLY is remembered as one of Britain’s most inspiring Olympians, celebrated for both his athletic success and his extraordinary determination on the track. A former European and World Champion, Derek built a reputation as a world-class 400m runner. Today, his achievements and unforgettable Olympic moment continue to symbolise resilience, courage and the power of perseverance as an official motivational speaker for corporate events, industry conferences and summits. Discover Dr Derek Redmond OLY’s most significant achievements below.
European & World Champion Athlete
As an athlete, Derek was a dominant force in British sprinting. His achievements include:
- Four-time British AAA 400m champion
- Broke the British 400m record in 1985 with a time of 44.82 seconds
- Reclaimed the British 400m record in 1987 with a time of 44.50 seconds
- European Champion in the 4 x 400m Relay at the 1986 European Championships
- Won Silver in the 4 x 400m Relay at the 1987 World Championships
- World Champion in the 4 x 400m Relay at the 1991 World Championships
- Represented Team GB at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, unfortunately suffering a torn hamstring
Post-Athletics Career
After retiring from athletics, Derek built a wide-ranging career across elite sport, media and business, including:
- Professional basketball player for the Birmingham Bullets and the England National Team
- Served as the Director of Development for Sprint & Hurdles for UK Athletics
- Sports commentator for Eurosport
- Played as a competitor on Celebrity Gladiators, winning in 1994
- Official Timekeeper on the 1994 series of Gladiators
- Appointed as the Group Performance Director of Thomas International, the World’s No.1 psychometric testing organisation, in 2015
- CEO of Olympex
- UCLA Alumni after graduating from UCLA
- Bestselling author of Sport Is A Business and Business Is A Sport
- Recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from Buckinghamshire University
Motorsport
Derek Redmond discovered his passion for motorsport in 2006, when he finally fulfilled a lifelong ambition to learn to ride a motorcycle. His moto achievements include:
- Founded Derek Redmond Racing
- Competed in Hottrax Endurance Series
- Co-Created Spitlash Redmond and RG Moto racing teams
Media Work & Brand Ambassador
Derek Redmond has built a strong profile in media and brand partnerships, drawing on one of sport’s most recognised moments. Highlights include:
- Brand Ambassador for OTSC FX
- Ambassador for Caesar Guerini UK, Evolution Sunglasses and Lyalvale Express, clay pigeon shooting brands
- Brand Ambassador for Pink Car Leasing
- Sponsored by Nike for several years during athletics career
Charity Supporter
Derek Redmond channels the resilience that defined his sporting career into meaningful charity work. His charity endeavours include:
- Ambassador for SportsAid
- Patron of the NCTLC Trust
- Ambassador for Right To Play UK
- Supporter of Go Dad Run
- Long-term supporter of Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People
- Ambassador for Air Ambulances UK
“Derek Redmond bravely making it through with little help, moments of euphoria after years of hard work. Moments when the human spirit triumphs over injury that should have been impossible to overcome.” – President Barack Obama
Derek’s Achievements
European Champion
In 1986, Derek became European Champion at the European Athletics Championships held in Stuttgart. Competing in the 4 x 400m Relay, Derek, Kriss Akabusi, Brian Whittle and Roger Black took home the Gold medal.
World Champion
In 1991, Derek became World Champion at the Tokyo World Championships in Athletics. Faced with the fierce competition of the much-favoured American team, Derek, Roger Black, John Regis and Kriss Akabusi ran what was then the second-fastest 4 x 400m relay in history and claimed Gold.
Olympic Heartbreak
At the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, just 250m from the finish line, Derek tore his hamstring. Joined on the track by his father, Derek made it to the finish line. This heartbreak turned into a symbol of humility and courage, recognised by the IOC and today forming the basis of many of Derek’s motivational speeches and official keynote speaking engagements.
Professional Basketball Player
Following the loss of his career in athletics, Derek turned his efforts to other sports he enjoyed. Encouraged by his father, Derek went on to become a professional basketball player for the Birmingham Bullets and the England national team.
Director of Development for Sprints & Hurdles for UK Athletics
Since his retirement from athletics, Derek has also worked as the Director of Development for Sprints & Hurdles for UK Athletics. In this role, he used his expertise built on track to advise officials on the future of UK athletics.
Group Performance Director of Thomas International
In 2015, Derek was appointed as the Group Performance Director of Thomas International. In this role, he used his experience of performing under pressure to inform his official guidance for the psychometric assessment provider.
Dr Derek Redmond OLY’s Career
1985
Broke the British Record for the 400m
1991
Won Gold at the World Championships in the 4 x 400m Relay, running what was then the second-fastest 4 x 400m Relay in history
1992
Represented Team GB at the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, where he tore his hamstring in the semi-final
2013
Winner at the British Kung Fu Association National Championships
2015
Hosted the Derek Redmond Charity Celeb-Am Golf Day in aid of the NC TLC Trust at Magnolia Park Golf & Country Club
2018
Published “Sport Is A Business, Business Is A Sport
2024
Became an Ambassador of Air Ambulances UK
2025
Ambassador of Lyalvale Express Ltd
Work with Derek Today!
If you are interested in working with Dr Derek Redmond OLY, contact his official speaker agent, Chris Tompkins at Champions Speakers, today.
Alternatively, complete the contact form to enquire about working with Derek.