Derek started his career at the age of 7 when he was a member of the Milton Keynes Athletic Club. He quickly rose through the ranks and came to local prominence as County Champion and record holder in the 400m sprint.
- - European junior finalist, top GB competitor 1984
- - Broke the British record in the 400m for the first time 1985 in a time of 44.82 seconds beating the 10-year-old mark set by David Jenkins. Then in 1987 reclaiming the record from Roger Black in 44.5 seconds
- - Derek held the record until it was broken in 1992 by just 0.03 100's of a second
- - Commonwealth & European Champion in 4x400m Relay in 1986
- - World silver medallist in 1987
- - World Gold Medallist in the 4x400m Relay in 1991 in setting yet another British European and Commonwealth record and also running the second fastest time ever recorded for the 4x400m
Derek's achievements were all the more remarkable because his career was dogged by serious injury. In fact no less than 13 operations on his achilles tendons and knees forced him to pull out of many major competitions. He is regarded in sporting circles as an extraordinary talent who was never given the opportunity to show what he was really capable of.
Derek, along with his father will be forever remembered for the semi-finals of the Olympic Games in Barcelona where he hobbled the last 250 metres after a serious hamstring injury mid race. The footage has become one of the most enduring sporting images of modern times.
Away from the athletics track Derek has played basketball for England and professionally for Birmingham Bullets. He coaches and advises international athletes at Birchfield Harriers and has played competitive rugby union for Coventry RFC, Stow RFC and has even played alongside the likes of Will Carling, Brian Moore, Rory Underwood and Gavin Hastings in a number of highly publicised invitational games.
Derek has been a regular on television and radio, including commentating for Eurosport and appearances on programmes as diverse as Noel's House Party and Equinox. He also presented a prime time basketball show for ITV. Derek now works with UK Athletics as Director of Development for Sprints and Hurdles. His role involves identifying talented young athletes, inspiring them to commit to their discipline and providing them with the necessary facilities and support structure to enable them to progress from school level to junior international. Derek is very committed to this role and is further inspired by the goal of seeing the British team exceed expectations in 2012.
Derek draws on his vast experiences as an international sportsman to provide a fascinating and inspirational platform for his motivational speeches. In telling his story, Derek takes the audience on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, but also explains the secrets of his success – both as an individual and within a team.
A Derek Redmond presentation provides the keys to:
It also involves a tape measure and a Rubik’s Cube!
