“Team Hoyt” Story Can Be An Inspiration For Us All
Posted on July 4, 2007
Filed Under Inspirational |
When I decided to create a personal blog, my goal was to help others. Perhaps by providing a tip on blogging. Maybe I could share some of my computer related background to assist someone. Maybe I could provide a bit of inspiration that helps to lift someones spirit. Well in my quest to look for today’s post, I found something I certainly wasn’t expecting.
Today, I simply wanted to provide something inspirational. After thinking about it for a while, I decided I would search YouTube for a video that might trigger a good post, and to be honest, I’m still reeling a bit from what I found.
I ran across the story of Dick & Rick Hoyt. Yes…same last name as myself but as far as I know, we’re not related? I’m almost ashamed to say I had never heard of this duo before! Dick & Rick are a father and son team that compete or have competed in anything from 5k’s up to Ironman Triathlons. No big deal you say? Well consider the Rick, the son…was born a spastic quadriplegic, and has never been able to walk or talk! When Dick, the father, runs…he’s pushing son Rick in a wheelchair. When Dick swims in triathlons, he has a rope tied to his waist and is pulling Rick in a specially designed boat. When Dick rides a bike, Rick is sitting in a special seat on front of Dick’s bike.
When Rick was born in 1962, he was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, which cut the oxygen off to his brain. Rick’s parents were told they’d be better off just putting Rick in an institution…he’d never amount to much. Dick and his wife Judy, chose to raise Rick at home, just like any normal child. It didn’t take long before they recognized Rick’s intelligence. Engineers from Tufts University, developed a computer which enabled Rick to communicate with others, and soon discovered Rick’s interest in sports.
In 1977, Rick expressed interest in participating in a 5 mile benefit run to help out a local Lacrosse player that had been injured in an accident. Dick wasn’t a long distance runner, but agreed to push his son in his wheelchair at the event. While they finished 2nd to last, they were happy with the results. That evening, Rick explained to his father that he didn’t feel “handicapped” when they were competing. This proved to be the inspiration that spawned the couple’s drive & determination to compete in hundreds of races. Even Ironman Triathlons!
Today, the couple is still competing in races, but they also tour the country, offering their motivational message at speaking engagements.
I was really blown away when I watched the following video. I see this father and son being so incredibly connected, and sharing such a great love for each other…it’s truly what a parent’s love is all about. And it’s plain to see that the love that Rick has for his father is something we should all hope to experience in our lives.
There are actually a number of videos on YouTube for this pair, and the website for the team’s accomplishments can be found here.
If you feel compelled, please visit the website for this team and please consider giving to their fund.
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4 Responses to ““Team Hoyt” Story Can Be An Inspiration For Us All”
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I saw the Hoyts on the last Ironman Hawaii telecast–I was totally amazed and impressed. Watching Dick swim, bike, and push his son the entire 112 miles was incredible. Most of us couldn’t do that just pushing ourselves! They are definitely an inspirational father/son team.
Hi Emily,
I can’t wait for the next event they’re competing in! I’ll be watching and rooting them on, you can be sure of that!
Thank you for dropping by!
Chris
I saw their segment on Real Sports, yeah it was a little dusty in my room…
Hey Kevin,
I know what you mean!
Chris