Unexpected Outcomes

Who won the 400m men’s race at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain?

I’m not sure. But I can tell you who came in last place. And so can millions of other people around the world.

Derek Redmond. (Watch a 2 minute recap of the race here)

Derek was an amazing athlete who broke the British record in the 400 meter event in 1985. He broke the record again in 1987 and held it until 1992.
Derek was favored to do well at the 1992 games and posted the fastest time in the first round. He also won the quarter final round. He started strong in the semifinal but did not advance past that round.

His hamstring tore about 250 meters from the finish line and Derek crumpled to the track in pain. After regaining his composure, he jumped up and began hopping toward the finish line. Derek’s dad, Jim, fought his way past security and joined his son on the track.

Words cannot really describe the finish of the race. Jim remained with his son, shooing off security guards and fiercely supporting Derek. With a look of agony, Derek crossed the finish line and his dreams of taking a medal back to his home in the UK ended.

However, unlike the gold medal winner in that race, Derek got a standing ovation from the crowd of 65,000 people gathered in the Olympic stadium. He is still remembered for the courage and determination he displayed at that race. And he went on to have a successful career as a motivational speaker, inspiring people with his story.

What happens when our plans are changed? When we have an issue come up in our lives that is totally out of the blue and ruins our chances of winning a gold medal? It might be a car accident that leaves you with permanent injuries. It might be the birth of a child with disabilities. It might be losing your dream job. The death of a spouse. Endless other options have derailed dreams in lives all over the world. But, Derek Redmond shows us that sometimes unexpected outcomes from tragic pain bring us to a place we never would have dreamed.

Think about my friend and ConnectAbility Board Member Jon Crais. He was in a car accident two and a half years ago. After waking from a six month coma, Jon found himself facing a new, unexpected and very difficult life. Jon faced a life depending on help from other people for all of his basic needs – getting dressed, going places, fixing meals. This was not the life Jon was preparing for – he was a couple weeks away from graduating from culinary school and had dreams to work in a restaurant, own a home and live an independent life. He even set track records when he was in school! But all the things he was preparing for were changed by his injury.

Much like Derek Redmond, Jon was injured with the finish line in sight. And just like Derek, Jon got up and kept going. Jon now spends his days working with therapists to gain skills that you and I often take for granted or even complain about. Jon’s family is by his side just like Jim Redmond and a whole crowd of friends and cheerleaders are also rooting for Jon.

Jon has recently become a guest columnist for the local newspaper, The Dahlonega Nugget. He still has dreams of working in a restaurant. This summer he’s been ziplining, scuba diving and water skiing! Jon is reaching for his goals and he knows he will get there but not in the way he first thought.

So it seems that sometimes when our plans are changed and we face tragic variations in our lives, we come in last place. But it seems that last place is not always the losing position. Take a look at Derek Redmond and Jon Crais if you need an example.

When you find yourself facing unexpected changes, get up. Keep moving at whatever pace is possible for you. You will find yourself surrounded by friends and supporters. There is a plan for your life and there are people placed along your path to help you accomplish that plan.

By the way, Qunicy Watts won the gold medal for the USA in that race. Quincy who?
Exactly.