“He’s the one who has motivated me because if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be out there doing triathlons. What I’m doing is loaning Rick my arms and legs so he can be out there competing like everybody else” — Dick Hoyt
Dick and Rick Hoyt, better known as “Team Hoyt.” Rick was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt as a result of oxygen deprivation to Rick’s brain at the time of his birth, Rick was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy.
Dick and Judy were advised to institutionalize Rick because there was no chance of him recovering, and little hope for Rick to live a “normal” life but his parents fought for him to have a life worth living.
In the spring of 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Far from being a long-distance runner, Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished all 5 miles, coming in next to last. That night, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.” The rest is truly historical.
Team Hoyt’s accomplishments include: 255 Triathlons (6 Ironman distances, 7 Half Ironman, 22 Duathlons), 72 Marathons (32 Boston Marathons, 8 18.6 Milers, 97 Half Marathons), 1 20K, 37 10 Milers, 35 Falmouth 7.1 Milers (1 Falmouth in the Fall), 8 15K’s, 218 10K’s, 160 5 Milers, 4 8K’s, 18 4 Milers, 161 5K’s, 8 20 Milers, 2 11K’s, 1 7K, 1 20 mile bike for Best Buddies.
Reality Decoded 
That’s awesome!
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This is more than awesome. Most parents of people in Rick’s situation cannot cope with the needs of their children. Marriages break up over children such as Rick. Families split up. You think running these marathon’s is hard work for Dick? Hard work starts in the morning before Rick even wakes up, and continues until long after Rick goes to sleep. Few people can stick it out 5 years, or 10. 57 years is almost unheard of. I know, I spent many years as a Personal Care Assistant, until I had a breakdown. I burned out. I was getting paid to do this, Dick is not. He is footing all the bills. He goes above and beyond. Give praise where it is due!
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Salute to the will of The son and Parents. These are the real heroes!!
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I’m not crying.
*hides bold, courageous tears*
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inspiring… many many dad’s don’t have the heart to do this
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Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this.
Hugz
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