Room 12 watched the video of the famous Olympian - Derek Redmond. This inspired discussion about his perseverance and determination.

Barcelona, 1992, summer olympic games. Derek Redmond was ready. He was stretching and getting ready for the 400 metre race. He got into his position and BANG the race started. 

The screams of cheering were following him in the race. Suddenly he stopped. 

The crowd was shocked. What happened? What could it be?

He tore a hamstring. Medics came rushing to him. They told him to come off the track but he wanted to keep going.

Tears filled his eyes. 

His dad came to help him, but security blocked him. Derek’s dad was fighting with the security. He came to his son and helped him. He told his son - “you don’t need to do this” but Derek refused saying - “NO”.

They made it to the end. His dad was proud.

I learnt that you should keep going and you will find a way to success.

Paraia

                     Derek Redmond

Soon to be the future olympic champion at the Barcelona olympics in 1992 for the men's 400m race, Derek Redmond was READY… 

“On your marks, get set, BAM! 

The gunshot flew, just like Derek Redmond speeding down the track. The crowd was ready to cheer him on but then suddenly with only 250m to go Derek collapsed. Immediately the crowd stood up and knew something was wrong, especially Derek’s dad.

Pushing through the crowd, busting through security, sprinting to Derek and shooing away anyone that came near, Derek’s dad was saying to him “it’s ok it’s ok you don’t need to finish the race” 

Derek replied with a stern “NO I'm going to finish this race” 

Holding onto his torn hamstring, hobbling along with his dad crossing the finish line, screaming with pain Derek made it! 

With… perseverance, bawling his eyes out and screaming in pain (also with some help from his dad)

Derek Redmond has shown me to… never give up. Even though he tore his hamstring he still made it!

-Dylan Calder