Rick Hoyt has completed more than 1,000 races, including more than 250 triathlons & 70 marathons.
The interesting part?
He was born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair.
This is the amazing story of the man that made it all possible.
Time for a thread 👇👇👇
The interesting part?
He was born with cerebral palsy and confined to a wheelchair.
This is the amazing story of the man that made it all possible.
Time for a thread 👇👇👇
1) Let's start in 1962...
Rick Hoyt was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, with doctors recommending he be placed in a special care facility.
His parents had other plans.
"We cried, but we said no, we're going to bring Rick home & bring him up like any other child.”
Rick Hoyt was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at birth, with doctors recommending he be placed in a special care facility.
His parents had other plans.
"We cried, but we said no, we're going to bring Rick home & bring him up like any other child.”
2) Over the next decade, Rick's parents, Judy & Dick, spent thousands of hours trying to educate their son.
At 11, now with a basic understanding of the alphabet, Rick received a computer that enabled him to communicate.
Even better?
He could attend school for the first time.
At 11, now with a basic understanding of the alphabet, Rick received a computer that enabled him to communicate.
Even better?
He could attend school for the first time.
3) While in school, Rick came home one day and asked his father if they could participate in a 5-mile race together in honor of a lacrosse player that had become paralyzed.
Why?
To prove "that life went on no matter your disability."
This is where it gets interesting…
Why?
To prove "that life went on no matter your disability."
This is where it gets interesting…
4) Despite being out of shape, Dick Hoyt agreed to run the 5-mile race with his son.
Dick pushed Rick in his wheelchair, coming in 2nd to last, but when they got home, Rick typed out:
“When I’m running, it feels like I’m not disabled.”
That moment changed their lives forever.
Dick pushed Rick in his wheelchair, coming in 2nd to last, but when they got home, Rick typed out:
“When I’m running, it feels like I’m not disabled.”
That moment changed their lives forever.
5) With an immense desire to provide his son with that feeling of normalcy more often, Dick Hoyt started training.
While his son Rick was at school, Dick would run with a bag of cement in the wheelchair — improving his fitness over time.
Next up?
A lifetime of memories.
While his son Rick was at school, Dick would run with a bag of cement in the wheelchair — improving his fitness over time.
Next up?
A lifetime of memories.
6) Over the next 45 years, Dick and Rick Hoyt would complete more than 1,000 races together.
Their accomplishments include 72 marathons and 257 triathlons, where Dick would tow Rick in a boat while swimming.
They even received the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2013 ESPYs.
Their accomplishments include 72 marathons and 257 triathlons, where Dick would tow Rick in a boat while swimming.
They even received the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2013 ESPYs.
7) After finishing 30+ Boston Marathons, a statue of Dick & Rick Hoyt was installed near the starting line in 2013.
"When Rick was born, they said he'd be nothing but a vegetable. Now he's a bronze statue. It can't get any better than that."
That's simply amazing.
"When Rick was born, they said he'd be nothing but a vegetable. Now he's a bronze statue. It can't get any better than that."
That's simply amazing.
8) Dick Hoyt sadly passed away this past week, leaving behind a lifetime full of memories and important lessons.
The most powerful takeaway?
Dick consistently showed up, being the best father and teammate Rick could have ever asked for.
Now that's legendary.
The most powerful takeaway?
Dick consistently showed up, being the best father and teammate Rick could have ever asked for.
Now that's legendary.
9) In the end, I love this story for one simple reason.
In a world where professional athletes and celebrities are constantly admired and praised, Dick Hoyt reminded us that heroes live amongst us in our normal everyday lives.
Rest in peace, Dick. You inspired millions.
In a world where professional athletes and celebrities are constantly admired and praised, Dick Hoyt reminded us that heroes live amongst us in our normal everyday lives.
Rest in peace, Dick. You inspired millions.
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