POWERFUL INSPIRATION: A Reflection

This short film gives a roller coaster emotion to me. I felt inspired, happy, touched and
somehow sad. Expectation versus reality. Derek Redmond, the Olympic 400-meter sprint
athlete, was expected to win a medal. But due to a torn hamstring he failed. Even though he is
hopeless he still insists and determined to finish the race.
Unexpected things really happen in an unexpected time, indeed. There are times that the
world will be on your side and there are times the world will be against you. Just like Derek’s
inspirational story. When he continues to run despite of the pain he felt, I feel inspired but
somehow worried. Insisting to finish the race with a pain might lead to more pain. I feel happy
and touched when the man came to Derek. I thought that he is just a concerned audience.
When I knew that it was Derek’s father, tears started to peak in my eye. It is just great knowing
that an athlete like Derek have a supportive parent. Having a supportive parent is a blessing,
especially in sports.
When Derek’s father said to him that “You don’t have to do this”, my tears dropped. I am
sure that he is also worried to his son’s situation, but Derek is determined so he approved and
continued the race with Derek. That moment literally showed us that our parent will just be
there on our side, caring and willing to support us through good and bad times. They are the
ones who really cares and wishes the best to us.
This short film conveyed that sports can also be a good medium to a good relationship with
family. It also conveyed the value of persistence and perseverance. Even though Derek didn’t
get a medal, I am still happy because the crowd of over 65,000 appreciated his determination.
It shows that although you didn’t make it there are still people who appreciates you and your
efforts.
The lesson I get in this short film is that don’t give up. Never giving up is the attitude we
should carry in our lives. Don’t give up on the thing you want to do, importantly you should
never give up on your dreams. To find success in the outside world you must first find it in
yourself, so, believe in yourself and keep moving no matter how hard it is. We should think that
failure is not an option for anyone. Even though we failed we should stand up and do it again.
We should not also be worried if there are no people who appreciates our efforts to not give
up, because our parents will surely support and appreciates us just like Derek’s experience.
When you really try your best and didn’t give up you cant consider yourself as a failure.