Derek Redmond started his career at the age of seven 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.

He was soon to become a European junior finalist and top GB competitor. In 1985 Derek broke the British record in the 400m for the first time in a time of 44.82 seconds beating the 10-year-old mark set by David Jenkins. Then in 1987 he reclaimed 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.

Derek became Commonwealth & European Champion in 4x400m Relay in 1986. A World Silver Medallist in 1987 and a 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

- Team Building
- Goal Setting
- Application
- Overcoming Obstacles
- Performance

It also involves a tape measure and a Rubik's Cube!

TESTIMONIALS

"The closing keynote session was the liveliest and most emotional of the congress. Derek Redmond, world 4x400m relay gold medallist, took to the stage with a vigour that few could have mustered at 10 o'clock on a Saturday morning. He led an enthralled audience through the story behind winning his gold medal and used the experience to emphasise that its teamwork that matters when it comes to achieving your goals. Many in the audience were moved to tears watching the footage from the Barcelona Olympics, then Derek skilfully lifted the mood again leaving people with a distinctive message using a Rubix cube."
International Health, Racquets and Sportsclub Association

"We were absolutely bowled over by Derek - his talk was relevant and entertaining, and his delivery was friendly and funny. He joined us for lunch and was an absolute delight to spend time with. Would be really grateful if you pass on our thanks."
Bromford Housing Group

"This was our first ever conference and from initial feedback, it appears to have been a great success! Your contribution played a major part in this - comments from staff include 'anyone who can make us laugh and cry within the space of an hour is to be congratulated'. We especially appreciated the way you related your session to our theme of 'One Vision' - and how willing you were to participate in not only our photo opportunity but to mix with our staff informally."
James Butcher Housing Association

"Derek provided some valuable insights into team buildingleadership by expressing them in a sporting context. His delivery was professional, funny, honest and extremely engaging. Furthermore, whilst off the stage as well as on, he was very personable and endeared himself to everyone in the team."
Lloyds TSB

"Our audience was captivated by your energy and enthusiasm. Thanks for the inspiration."
Rank Xerox

"We have received excellent feedback from our staff who were inspired, motivated and enthused by your presentation. Thank you for making our event an undoubted success."
Lloyds TSB

"Your presentation was spot on and could not have been better prepared or made more relevant. I would like to thank you again for the time you took in getting to understand our part of BAe and the priorities for our team and the objectives of the event. I hope you enjoyed it as much as we did."
BAE

"The audience were fixated and in awe of his achievements-they all wanted to shake his hand, many saying he was the best speaker they had ever heard - he really capped off our day on a high."
Kodak

"Summing up nicely one delegate said, ''Derek''s personality left everybody buzzing''. I would personally like to thank you for your contribution which was extremely well received by delegates and organisers alike."
FD's Forum

"We would like to record our thanks to you for your excellent motivational session. You were very enthusiastically received and the feedback we received was excellent."
The Duke of Edinburgh Awards

"There have been nothing but compliments on how well the event was run. Mr Redmond went down extremely well and participated in the event himself - just that extra bit of motivation for the teams!"
Rothchilds

"Derek's presentation was perfectly balanced and professionally delivered, with exactly the right amount of humour. It was packed with all the elements we wanted to make this event a huge success for our team of over 400, and everyone left on a tremendous 'high'. He was inspirational, motivational and relevant, especially as his own experiences can be so closely aligned with those we experience in business. A consummate professional and a delight to work with."
IBM

"I want to say a huge thank-you to you for doing such a great job at our meeting last week. The feedback that we have had from the day has been excellent - thank-you for your part in this. Everyone found your message incredibly clear, hugely inspirational and your style relaxed and great fun. It provided an excellent umbrella for us to build our day''s activities under."
Pharmacia

"Relevant, passionate and uplifting. You did a great job for us, many thanks."
Tetleys

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Derek Redmond's Showreel