Derek Redmond

Olympian and World Champion athlete

400m, individual and relay, Olympian and World Champion. Derek is an outstanding motivational speaker, drawing on his experience as an elite athlete.

In telling his story, Derek Redmond takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but also explains the secrets of his success both as an individual and within a team. He talks about, Team Building, Goal Setting, Application, Overcoming Obstacles and Performance. It also involves video, a little bit of powerpoint, a tape measure and a Rubiks Cube! Visit Derek’s website

Derek’s athletic achievements included breaking the British 400m record in 1985. He became Commonwealth and European Champion in the 4x400m relay in 1986, World Silver medalist in 1987 and triumphed in 1991 World Championships when he and his 3 team members defied statistics and defeated the US team, bringing home the 4x400m Gold Medal for Great Britain. One of the most significant and inspiring moments recorded in the history of athletics took place at the Barcelona Olympics with Derek taking centre stage. Having been plagued by injury throughout his athletic career, Derek was tipped to win gold for Great Britain. Tragedy struck when 150m into the race, in a dominant position, looking and feeling great, Derek’s hamstring snapped.

In this powerful, emotional and heart rending moment, the crowds roared as Derek got up and hobbled the remaining 250 metres of the race with the aid of his father. The footage of this passionate and emotional moment will be used for years to come to highlight the enormity of this individual’s determination and pride, and can now be found in a television commercial for Visa Go World, the official sponsors of the 2008 Olympics, as well as gaining a mention from US president Barak Obama during his speech about the Olympic spirit. His sense of pride, passion and sheer determination made Derek get up and finish the race that he knew he had already lost, but one that has earned him the right to become the awe-inspiring public speaker that he is today.

Drawing on his experiences as an athlete, a coach and both a radio and TV presenter, Derek relives some of his track memories, talking to individuals and organisations on the dynamics of teamwork, goal setting and overcoming obstacles.