These athletes all experienced pivotal moments in their careers with their father right by their side
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It’s no question that a father plays a huge role in an athlete’s life. Everyone has a father figure who constantly pushes them, serves as a mentor, and shapes them into becoming the best versions of themselves.
And this is no different for professionals who have cemented their legacies. Looking back at history will show just how vital this relationship is. Here are five unforgettable father-son moments that will forever be remembered in sports history:
Jim Redmond carries his son Derek to the finish line
Great Britain’s Derek Redmond was expected to claim gold at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Unfortunately, midway through his 400-meter race, Redmond went down with a hamstring injury. Rather than give up, Redmond went on despite the severe pain. Moments after, his father Jim rushed from the stands to help his son get through the finish line. Watching Jim finish along with Derek Redmon who wept in his father’s arms was indeed the truest form of a father’s love.
Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. go back-to-back
Ken Griffey Sr. and Ken Griffey Jr. were perhaps the greatest father-son duo in baseball history. The Griffeys played for the Seattle Mariners for two seasons and became the first father-son pair to be featured in a starting lineup together. Their most epic play was the back-to-back home runs against the Los Angeles Angels that showcased how a son followed in his father’s footsteps. Ken Griffey Jr. continued his father’s legacy and became a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the most prolific home run hitters in history.
Pat Cash celebrates 1987 Wimbledon win with his dad
After Pat Cash won the Wimbledon men’s singles finals in 1987, he jumped right into the stands and pushed past cheering fans to celebrate his championship victory with his father. Cash was the first player ever to leap into the stands and pioneer the championship climb, which later became a tradition of sorts for those who win tournaments.
Ty Lucas’ emotional reunion with his father from the army
In 2018, a viral video of Clemson University’s Ty Lucas and dad Cody Lucas’ tearful reunion surfaced online. The freshman running back was surprised by his father who returned home after nine months in Afghanistan. The video posted on the Clemson Football Twitter account showed Lucas and his father sharing a long, teary embrace and a whole lot of high fives.
Michael Jordan on the 1996 Championship: “This is for daddy”
Michael Jordan lost his father in 1993. After skipping a year of basketball, Jordan carried the Chicago Bulls back to the NBA finals in 1996 to win their sixth championship against the Seattle Supersonics, which also happened on Father’s Day. When the buzzer rang, Jordan was overwhelmed with emotion and spent hours crying in memory of his father. Jordan’s ability to prosper despite the circumstances cemented his legacy and manifested his deep relationships with his father.