The story of Rick and Dick Hoyt - Team Hoyt

Summary

This heartwarming story highlights the bond between father and son, Dick and Rick Hoyt, also known as Team Hoyt. Despite Rick being born with a disability, his father refused to institutionalize him and instead helped him live a fulfilling life. Together, they have competed in over 950 races, including marathons and Ironman triathlons, with Dick pushing and pulling Rick along the way. Their journey of perseverance, love, and determination shows that with commitment, anything is possible. Their story inspires others to overcome obstacles and embrace life's challenges.

Takeaways

• 🏅 Dick and Rick Hoyt, also known as Team Hoyt, are celebrated as inspirational figures and real-life heroes.
• ❤️ This story highlights the deep bond and love between a father, Dick Hoyt, and his son, Rick Hoyt, who was born with cerebral palsy.
• 🏃‍♂️ Despite Rick's physical limitations, Dick Hoyt participates in races, pushing or carrying his son throughout the course.
• 💻 Through technology, Rick was able to communicate for the first time, expressing his support for the Boston Bruins as his first words.
• 💪 Dick and Rick participated in their first charity run, and Rick's message after the race was that running made him feel like his disability disappeared.
• 🌟 The father-son duo has since completed over 950 races, including marathons and Ironman triathlons, with Dick helping Rick to compete.
• 🎓 Rick has graduated from public high school and college, proving that he leads a fulfilling life despite his physical challenges.
• 👨‍👦 Dick credits Rick as his motivator, saying that Rick is the true competitor, and Dick lends him his arms and legs to participate in sports.
• 💫 Their story conveys a powerful message: 'Yes, you can'—emphasizing that determination and love can help overcome any obstacle.
• 🏆 The Hoyts' achievements include completing six Ironman triathlons, with Dick pulling, pushing, and carrying Rick through all phases of the race.

Q & A

Who are the main heroes introduced in the story?

The main heroes introduced are Dick and Rick Hoyt, a father-son duo better known as Team Hoyt.

What makes the story of Dick and Rick Hoyt special?

Their story is a powerful example of a father's love and commitment, as Dick Hoyt participates in grueling races while pushing or carrying his disabled son Rick, allowing Rick to experience the feeling of being an athlete.

What condition does Rick Hoyt have?

Rick Hoyt was born with cerebral palsy, and doctors initially advised his parents to institutionalize him. However, Dick and his wife decided to raise him like any other child.

How did Rick first communicate, and what were his first words?

Rick first communicated using a specially designed computer. His first words were 'Go Bruins,' expressing his excitement for the Boston Bruins hockey team.

How did the journey of Team Hoyt begin?

Their journey began when Rick asked his father to join a charity run for a paralyzed athlete. Dick agreed, and they successfully completed the five-mile race, sparking a lifelong commitment to competing together.

What did Rick express after completing the first charity run with his father?

Rick told his father through his computer that 'when I'm running, it feels like my disability disappears,' which motivated Dick to continue racing with Rick.

How does Dick Hoyt describe his motivation for racing with Rick?

Dick Hoyt says that Rick is his motivator and inspiration. He feels like Rick is the one competing, and he is just lending Rick his arms and legs to allow him to participate.

What significant events have Dick and Rick Hoyt participated in together?

Dick and Rick Hoyt have participated in 950 races, including 60 marathons and 6 Ironman triathlons, where Dick pushes or carries Rick throughout the entire course.

What is the overall message that Dick and Rick Hoyt want to share with others?

Their message is 'Yes, you can.' They believe that anyone can achieve their goals if they set their minds to it, showing that perseverance and dedication can overcome obstacles.

What notable achievement has Rick Hoyt accomplished outside of sports?

Rick Hoyt graduated from public high school and college, demonstrating that despite his physical limitations, he leads a fulfilling life and surpasses many expectations.

Outlines

00:00

🏃‍♂️ Father and Son's Inspiring Journey

The first paragraph introduces a video series called 'Today's Real Heroes', focusing on Dick and Rick Hoy, also known as Team Hoy. It tells the story of a father's dedication to improving his son's life despite physical limitations. The narrative highlights Dick's commitment to participate in the Iron Man race despite being legally blind and having recently recovered from a heart attack. The story is about the love of a father who goes to great lengths to ensure his son can live a fulfilling life, transcending his physical disabilities. It also touches on their first experience with a charity run and how it led to a life-changing realization for Rick that his disability disappears when he competes in sports.

05:01

🥇 Triumph Over Adversity in Triathlons

The second paragraph continues the story of Dick and Rick Hoy, detailing their experiences in triathlons. It describes the excitement and fulfillment they feel when competing, emphasizing the joy and sense of achievement despite Rick's physical disability. The narrative also covers their message of perseverance and the belief that anything is possible with determination. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on their accomplishments, having participated in 950 races, 60 marathons, and six Iron Man events, showcasing the incredible bond and dedication between father and son.

Keywords

💡Team Hoyt

Team Hoyt refers to the duo of Dick and Rick Hoyt, a father and son team that became famous for participating in athletic events together, despite Rick being unable to walk or speak due to cerebral palsy. Dick pushes and carries Rick in races, symbolizing the strength of their bond and highlighting the theme of overcoming physical limitations through love and determination.

💡Ironman

Ironman is an extreme triathlon race consisting of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run. Team Hoyt's participation in the Ironman symbolizes their perseverance and the monumental physical challenges Dick undertakes to give his son the experience of competing, emphasizing the father’s commitment and love.

💡Cerebral Palsy

Cerebral palsy is a group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone or posture. Rick Hoyt was diagnosed with this condition at birth, leading doctors to suggest institutionalizing him. The family’s decision to keep Rick and involve him in life to the fullest underscores the theme of rejecting limitations imposed by disability.

💡Commitment

Commitment is a central theme in the video, primarily represented through Dick Hoyt’s dedication to his son. Despite his own challenges, including a heart attack, Dick continues to compete in races alongside Rick, showcasing the depth of his love and unwavering resolve to make Rick’s life as fulfilling as possible.

💡Communication

Communication plays a crucial role in Rick's life, as he initially couldn’t speak. His first words, expressed through a computer, were 'Go Bruins,' showing his awareness and passion despite physical limitations. This moment was pivotal for the Hoyt family, affirming Rick’s intelligence and his ability to connect with the world around him.

💡Triathlon

A triathlon is a multi-sport race that includes swimming, cycling, and running. Team Hoyt’s participation in triathlons, especially Ironman races, represents their ability to defy odds. This keyword relates to the story's message of inclusivity, showing that even someone with severe physical disabilities can compete in such demanding events with support.

💡Love

Love is a foundational element of the Hoyt story, symbolized by Dick’s willingness to push and carry his son through various races. Their bond transcends the typical father-son relationship, showing that love can inspire extraordinary acts of perseverance, endurance, and dedication.

💡Disability

Disability in this context refers to Rick’s cerebral palsy, which physically restricts him but does not limit his spirit or participation in life. The video emphasizes how, with support, Rick can live a fulfilling life, conveying the broader message that people with disabilities should not be underestimated or sidelined.

💡Inspiration

Inspiration is a theme tied to both Rick and Dick Hoyt. Their story has inspired countless individuals, showing that challenges can be overcome with determination and support. Rick’s ability to communicate that running made his disability 'disappear' is a message of empowerment for others facing similar limitations.

💡Overcoming Limitations

Overcoming limitations is a recurring theme in the story, as both Dick and Rick defy the physical and societal constraints imposed on them. Rick's initial prognosis as a 'vegetable' and Dick's physical exhaustion during races are countered by their determination to live a fulfilling life, sending a powerful message that limitations can be surpassed.

Highlights

Introducing 'Today's Real Heroes' series, featuring inspiring figures who overcome challenges.

Dick and Rick Hoyt, known as 'Team Hoyt,' are introduced as today's real heroes, inspiring many with their story.

Dick Hoyt’s dedication to his son Rick, who has a disability, is highlighted as one of the greatest love stories.

Despite being advised to institutionalize Rick, Dick and his wife decided to raise him like any other child.

Rick communicates through a computer, and his first words were 'Go Bruins,' reflecting his love for sports.

Rick’s passion for racing started when he asked his father to participate in a charity run, and they completed the race together.

Rick communicated to his father after their first race that 'when I'm running, my disability disappears,' marking a pivotal moment for their journey.

Dick sees himself as loaning his arms and legs to Rick so he can compete, with Rick being the true competitor.

Team Hoyt’s participation in triathlons, including the Ironman, is emphasized as a testament to their determination and spirit.

Rick has graduated from both high school and college, proving that he leads a fulfilling and accomplished life.

Despite his disability, Rick lives a happier life than most, showing that he is no different than anyone else.

Rick says that if he were physically able, he would push his father in a wheelchair to show his gratitude.

Their message of 'Yes, you can' encourages others to pursue their goals, no matter the obstacles.

Team Hoyt has completed 950 races, including 60 marathons and 6 Ironman competitions, illustrating their commitment.

Dick Hoyt, at 66, continues to pull, push, and carry Rick across races, including a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile run.

Transcripts

[Music]

this morning we're launching a new

series called today's real heroes our

national course Nat Morales is here with

an unforgettable pair Natalie and it's a

story you have to see to believe our

real heroes today are dick and Rick Hoy

better known as team Hoy and if you

haven't heard of them yet be prepared

they are almost Legends in their own

right and you'll see right now why they

are heroes to so

many this is one of the greatest love

stories of all time a story of a father

who climbs mountains and runs to the

ends of the Earth and back to give his

son a better life a life that transcends

the limitations of his

body registration for the 25th Iron Man

continues one by one some faces we

recognize here is 58-year-old Richard

hul number 214 back for a second try

he's legally blind and it doesn't matter

to him no the thing that must occur at

all costs is this time cross the line

it's more than a

race it's a lifetime event that we'll

remember for the rest of our

lives they're either going to carry me

off the

course or um I'm going to cross a Finish

Line the stories about people like

Richard Hulk pass through this world as

race week moves toward this morning hey

did you hear about the man who is

legally blind people love to tell and

love to hear the stories then appearing

near the startline where they've been

before our Father and Son dick and Ricky

Hoy there is no one here who hasn't

heard about them their story and a human

commitment that goes far beyond and far

back

January 10th

1962 we knew there was something wrong

but we did not know exactly

what the doctor said forget Rick put him

away put him in an institution he's

going to be nothing but a vegetable for

the rest of his

life we cried a little bit we talked and

we said no we're not going to put Rick

away we're going to bring Rick home and

bring him up like any other

[Music]

child we knew Rick was smart we could

tell by looking in his eyes and when we

talked to him we you know he was paying

attention to what we were

saying so we wanted to get a computer

built so Rick could communicate with us

everybody came to our house that night

for Rick to say his first words and

everybody was betting you know what is

the first words rickets ever going to

say his mom saying it's going to be hi

Mom and meet the dad saying oh it's

going to be hi

Dad well the Boston Bruins were going

for the Stanley Cup and the very first

words Rick ever said was gold

Bruins dick is a military man so he

knows a thing or two about commitment

this time he's just months removed from

a heart attack this gift that he gives

to his son or is it the other way around

either way it all started when Rick

heard about a charity run for a

paralyzed athlete he asked Dad and Dad

said

yes the gun went off and we went off

with all the other Runners and everybody

thought that Rick and I would just go to

the corner and turn around and come back

well we didn't we finish the whole five

miles coming in next the last but not

last and when we got home that night

Rick rode on his computer Dad when I'm

Run field feels like my disability

disappears so that was a very powerful

message to me that we finally found a

sport that Rook could get involved in

just like everybody

else rck is my motivator he inspires me

to me he's the one out there competing

and I'm just loaning him my arms and my

legs so that he can

compete there's just something that gets

into me when I'm out there competing

with rck that I can't explain it and

we're able to go faster and it it's just

an unbelievable

feeling Rick and I love the man

Triathlon to be out there competing with

the best triathletes in the world to be

accepted to compete along with these

triathletes just to be out there on that

Pier with all the other triathletes and

then waiting in the water for that

Cannon to go off it it was just so

exciting the feeling coming down the

Finish Line and El leaky drive it's just

an awesome experience with the crowd

there all the excitement the noise and

the announcers announc and all your

drenaline just gets

[Music]

[Applause]

flowing

[Applause]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

I may be disabled but I live a very

fulfilling life and if someone takes the

time to get to know me they will realize

that I am no different than anyone

else here he is he graduated from public

high school he's graduated from college

he's out there competing in road races

and

triathlons he lives a happier life

probably than 95% of the population Rick

would tell you that you know if he if he

was physically able to do something that

he'd probably play basketball or

football or hockey but then he always

says no the first thing he do is sit

down have me sit down his wheelchair and

he push me you know it really makes me

feel good that uh that you know he

appreciates you know what I'm trying to

do to help him out and he do the same

thing for

[Music]

me our message is yes you can you can do

anything you want to do as long as you

make up your mind you can do

it if you have ever searched for the

meaning of life stop the answer lies

right here by the way Ricky would want

us to take tell you the Bruins look

pretty good this

[Applause]

[Music]

year now at the age of 66 and 44 dick

and Rick have run 950 races 60 marathons

six Iron

Man's all the way dick pulls pushes and

Carries Rick's 110 lb cran over the

course of the 2.4 m swim 112 M bike ride

and 26.2 M

[Music]

run

[Music]

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is

[Music]

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oh

[Music]