Jim Redmond passed away today at the age of 81. Outside of learning that Jim was a West Indian immigrant to the United Kingdom, I know exactly one thing about his life and that is I why I am memorializing Jim Redmond today.

During the 1992 Barcelona Summer Olympic Games, the British track team had some hope in the 400 meter race. Runner Derek Redmond had one a few medals in international competition and had posted the fastest time in his 400 meter heat. In the semifinal heat Derek came around the last turn and pulled up with a leg injury. Derek had torn his hamstring. Medical officials started to make their way to assist Derek off the track, but the runner wanted to finish. In agonizing pain, Derek hobbled his way to the finish line. It did not look like he was going to make it. Through the crowd on the track came Derek’s father Jim. He put his arm around his son and helped him finish his first, and last, Olympic race. Take a look for yourself.

Jim Redmond was not trying to be a hero, he was being a dad. He was there for his son all of his life encouraging and coaching. He was there at the beginning, and he made sure in worst sports moment of his son’s life, Jim was going to be there to pick him up. By being a dad, Jim Redmond gave us a moment of pure awe.

Recently my father in law passed away. He was my wife’s dad and my son’s grandfather. Over the last few weeks I have thought about how he supported his daughter, encouraged my son, and accepted me as an equal. My father in law, like Jim Redmond, was not an extraordinary man, he was one of the greatest men to ever live. In front of the public eye, or away from it, these men were great because they embodied the idea of being a dad. That is why I celebrate them today.

Rest in piece Jim Redmond. You set the bar for what it means to be a dad. Thank you.

RD

RD is the founder and Head Editor for SeedSing and the other host of the X Millennial Man Podcast.

Come and support us and the podcast on Patreon.

SeedSing is funded by a group of awesome people. Join them by donating to SeedSing.