Derek and Jim Redmond

In the Summer Olympics of 1992 at Barcelona, British sprinter Derek Redmond was competing in the quarterfinals of the 400 meter race. Halfway through the race Redmond tore a hamstring and collapsed on the track. The agony on his face was both physical and mental. He had trained for years in anticipation of competing on the world’s largest stage for track and field. Now his dreams for a medal were gone in an instant.

When medical help came to assist him, Derek waved them away. Determined to finish the race, he got to his feet and started hobbling around the track.

An older man came out of the crowd and brushed by the officials who tried to stop him. He ran up to Derek and put his arms around him. It was his father, Jim.

“You don’t have to do this, son,” Jim said.

“Yes, I do!” Derek replied.

“Then we’ll finish this race together.”

Arm in arm they continued around the track. There was agony on Derek’s face, and tears on his father’s. Finally, with the crowd roaring their approval with a standing ovation, Derek Redmond—with a little help from his father—crossed the finish line. It was one of the defining moments of the Barcelona Olympics.

We would like to think that we can do everything on our own, but the truth is, sometimes we need a little help. And sometimes we need to give a little help to those who have fallen.”

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”—Galatians 6:2.