The Iron Man Dad

By Bigg Success Staff
06-10-08

Success Stories

 

Dick Hoyt’s son, Rick, was born with cerebral palsy. Due to some complications at birth, the doctors told Dick that Rick would never talk or walk. That day, Dick found his passion – to make life for Rick as normal as possible.

Time passed and Rick graduated from high school. He went on college and earned a degree in special education. While there, he helped his school, Boston College, develop a computer system that enables people like him to communicate.

Here’s where the story gets even more interesting …
Rick heard about a fundraiser – a five-mile run to benefit a young man who was paralyzed. Rick told his dad that they had to help. So Dick pushed Rick in a two-wheel running chair.

That wasn’t enough for this dynamic duo!

They moved on to marathons – that’s over 26 miles! Then triathlons. Finally, they signed on for the Iron Man competition.

And Team Hoyt is a tough competitor!

Dick attaches a tow line around his waist and pulls Rick for the 2.4-mile swim. Then, using a specially built bike, Rick sits in a seat in front of Dick for the 112-mile ride. Finally, Dick pushes a three-wheel chair for the marathon portion of each event.

Now, nearly 1,000 races later, would you say Rick has a normal life? It’s extraordinary. Dick Hoyt set out to create a normal life for his son. He accomplished that, and inspired an entire world!

Hear today's lesson and laugh on The Bigg Success Show. 

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(Image from teamhoyt)