• London Olympics 2012

Derek Redmond's father to carry Olympic flame

ESPN staff
January 10, 2012
Derek Redmond was helped across the finish line by his father Jim © Getty Images
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Derek Redmond's father Jim, who famously helped his injured son across the finish line at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, will carry the flame at the Olympic torch relay.

Redmond Snr battled his way past security after his son collapsed with a hamstring injury in the 400m semi-finals in Montjuic Stadium.

In one of the most enduring images from the Barcelona Games, a distressed Redmond limped to the finish line with the support of his father.

Redmond is one of the first torch bearers to be nominated by the British Olympic Association for the relay, which will see 8000 citizens carry the Olympic flame across the United Kingdom ahead of this summer's Games.

Paul Mears, the father of diver Chris, has also been nominated after he and his wife Katy nursed their son back to health after he suffered a ruptured spleen at the 2009 Australian Youth Olympic Festival in Sydney.

Mears was given a five per cent chance of survival while in intensive care, but has since recovered and narrowly missed out on a medal with partner Nick Robinson-Baker in the three metre synchro at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

"I am delighted they have been nominated as torchbearers," British Olympic Association chairman Colin Moynihan said.

"The often unsung role that parents play throughout the lives of Olympic athletes in nurturing the values, dedication and commitment needed to become a successful Olympian is invaluable."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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