Biography

Derek came to local prominence as County Champion and record holder in the 400m sprint. In a career tragically but famously cut short during the Barcelona Olympics he still managed an extraordinary number of on track achievements including a World Gold Medal in the 4x400m Relay.

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 including the 1988 Olympics, 1990 European and Commonwealth Games and 1993 World Championships. 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 played the sport 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.

A regular on television and radio, including appearances on programmes as diverse as Noel's House Party and Equinox as well as presenting a prime time basketball show for ITV, Derek has also kept busy with a number of business ventures. Drawing on the tragedies and triumphs of his track career Derek is able to provide a unique and entertaining insight into what it takes to persevere, overcome obstacles and succeed as an individual and as a team.

Utilising many of the experiences and work ethics picked up during an international sporting career Derek has established a leading gym equipment company, an interactive sports, health and fitness website whilst still finding time to be a top athletics coach and an inspiring motivational speaker.