Jim Redmond, father of former British sprinter Derek, who helped his son finish the 400m semi-finals at the 1992 Olympics, has died in one of the most memorable moments in the sport's history.
Derek was performing well before the Barcelona Olympics, and scored the best time in his qualifying, but he injured his hamstring, and instead of going to get medical attention, he tried to reach the limping to the finish line.
Meanwhile, he was joined by his father, who stormed the racetrack, skipped the organizers, and helped his son reach the finish line, to a standing ovation from the fans.
Our thoughts are with Derek Redmond and his family following the death of his father, Jim.
Together, they brought us one of the most inspirational moments in Olympic history.
❤️ pic.twitter.com/IyHekB2fyP
— The Olympic Games (@Olympics) October 4, 2022
Redmond died at the age of 81, and the moment he helped his son inside the Olympic Stadium was shared millions of times on social media platforms.
"Our condolences to Derek Redmond and his family on the passing of his father Jim. They gave us one of the most inspiring moments in Olympic history," the IOC wrote on Twitter on Tuesday.
"Rest Jim Redmond, Derek's father, whose Olympic moment was never forgotten," the British athletics team wrote on Twitter.
Two decades later, Jim took part in carrying the Olympic torch for the 2012 London Games.
After the race, Jim told the BBC: "He had to finish the race no matter what, and I had to help him. We started his career together, we had to finish it together."