Monday Morning Motication – Rick and Dick Hoyt

In 1962, Judy Hoyt gave birth to a son, Rick. He had spastic quadriplegia and cerebral palsy. Judy and her husband Dick were advised to put Rick in an institution. However, they decided to fight for his inclusion into a normal life. At 10 years old, they managed to get Rick his first interactive computer, which allowed him to communicate with others.

In 1977, Rick told his father that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a paralysed Lacrosse player. Dick agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair. That night, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped.”

Since then Rick and Dick Hoyt (aka “Team Hoyt”) have competed in over 1000 races, including 6 Ironman triathlons as well as marathons, duathlons and other triathlons. They also completed a 3735 mile/45 day cycle/run trip across America in 1992.

You can read more about Team Hoyt on their website: http://www.teamhoyt.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sU5aEh9TyAw]