Wednesday, November 15, 2006
8:54 PM
Tomorrow Sarah celebrates her father's birthday. Today she honours it, glorifying fatherhood by writing a tribute to it.
An incredible event took place at the Barcelona Olympics of 1992.
A runner from Britain, Derek Redmond, had trained for and worked toward and dreamed about winning a gold medal in the 400-meter race.
The starting gun sounded in the semifinals and his aspiration seemed attainable. As he ran the race of his life, he could see the finish line as he rounded the turn into the backstretch.
Suddenly, Derek felt a sharp pain go up the back of his leg. He ran with difficulty for a few steps and then began to stumble, watching as the other runners ran past him.
Suddenly a man leaped over the security fence and began to move in his direction. The guards held him back.
Derek waved the guards back, and as the man wrapped his arm around his shoulder, they began to make their way, slowly, to the finishing line.
It was his father, watching from the stands.
The crowd had been watching keenly for the first three, but as they realized what had happened, turned their attention to the team of two.
As the father and son reached the finishing line, the audience gave them a standing ovation for a full minute.
Bid me crew avast! Keep yer banner high
Classed, forever a class :)
Class of our own
Wind be at yer backs, sails never slackin'
