Would you have done the same as Derek Redmond?

A few days ago an inspiring video was brought to my attention, and I want to share it with you guys. It’s about a guy called Derek Redmond. I don’t know much about him except for what this video shows me, but he was favoured to medal in the olympic 400m race in Barcelona, 1992.

When I was shown the video I was told it would me me cry, but I didn’t realise quite how much. As the clip played and I saw how determined, ambitious, and inspirational Derek was, I can honestly say I was crying like a baby. In awe of this man, tears were streaming down me cheeks faster than you can say “wow”.

Derek didn't quit, and he is a true example of ‘It’s not the winning that counts, it’s the taking part’. As he got back up to finish that race, no matter how badly it hurt him, he saw no option in giving up. He knew what he wanted to do, and that alone is something that so many of us lack.

The video still leaves me a little speechless if I’m honest, but I think what Derek done was truly remarkable. It was a sign of such strength and courage and I think it could teach us all a thing or two about motivation. Plans may change, and not everything in life will work out the way you want or expect, but sometimes it's the unexpected things that teach us the most.

Don't be a quitter.

When you fall in life, get back up.

Never give up.

Courtney’s Imagination★

To a true hero.

I’m a couple of days early to be writing this post, but I’m going to write it now while I can. I’m sorry if this brings back memories or pain for you, but it’s something I need to write about because this guy needs a mention.

Two years ago, January 18th, I made a discovery I wished I hadn’t. I discovered that the day before, somebody had died. I’m not gonna bring up details, but it wasn’t easy for anybody.

You see, the man who we lost was the most loved teacher in the school, and losing him affected every single one of us. There wasn’t a dry eye in school that week. And you can go ahead and call me me lame, or weak, or a geek, but however cliché, that tragedy hit our school harder than it had ever been hit before.

Luke Day was one of the most caring people I knew. He was always smiling and laughing, always singing happy songs, and was the one person you could see above everybody in the school, because he was so tall. Luke and his wife were and extremely big on adventure and always cycling around, and for their honeymoon they completed the amazing challenge of cycling to Turkey.

On many occasions he helped me out, whether it was advice, help with languages, or simply just making me smile. He always knew what to say, even in lessons when we got restless; he would make us laugh with french songs and making fun of his unique traits like his messy hair. He was literally the big friendly giant, and we all loved him.

If you know Luke and are reading this feeling sad, I want you to remember all of the awesome memories you have of him, and all the good things. Luke was inspirational, positive, motivational, and full of hope, and he wouldn’t want you to cry or be sad. So much so, that he would probably make fun of himself just to make you laugh. Hear that in your head, that big friendly voice? See that untucked shirt and fluorescent vest? Unfortunately we can’t change what’s happened however much we wish, but we can embrace Luke’s memory and let him continue to inspire us.

He was a truly amazing person and we know he’ll never be forgotten, but let’s not let those smiles we have be forgotten, either.

Thoughts go out to everybody missing Luke.

Rest in peace, hero.

Courtney’s Imagination ★

P.s. Just incase you need a little help laughing, remember this...