The couple managed to raise $5,000 in 1972 to get a special
built interactive computer that allowed Rick to write out his
thought using slight head movements. A group of Tufts University
engineers agreed to build the computer after they believed that
Rick had clear comprehension skills. Since then, Rick was able
to communicate to people around him.
In 1975, Rick was finally admitted into a public school. Two years later, Dick brought Rick to participate in a fund raising 5-mile run. Dick pushed Rick in a wheelchair to finish the race. They finished second to last, but Rick was so happy that he told his father that he did not feel handicapped when they were in the competition. That run was the first time “Team Hoyt” competing before they participated more marathons.
Rick graduated from school, went on to college (University) and has a college Degree. Rick has a job. He may look different; he may not be able to walk or communicate like you or I do, but that is just the outside. Inside, he is no different to anyone else.
During this journey, almost everyone looked down at Rick. No one talked to Team Hoyt. No one wanted to run beside them. But, the father and son kept going strong. After 4 years of marathons, Team Hoyt went for their first triathlon. Dick did not know how to swim before this. So, he put in lot of his effort in picking up the skill. He worked out up to 5 hours a day, 5 times a week, even when he had to work. He wanted to set a good role model for Rick - once you set out to do something, sticks to it for whatever it takes.
Here are some of proud achievements of Team Hoyt:
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216 Triathlons, 6 Ironman distances
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20 Duathlons
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65 Marathons, 25 Boston Marathons
Ironman = swim 2.4 miles, bike 112 miles and then run a marathon (26.2 miles)! One after the other - no rest breaks. And that pulling/pushing his son!!
They have also biked and ran across the USA in 1992 with a total of 3,735 miles in 45 consecutive days.
This year, 2008, Dick Hoyt and Rick Hoyt are going to be 68 and 48 years old. Finally, after so many years, Team Hoyt managed to raise public attitudes toward the physically and mentally challenged. Their best time, 2 hours 40 minutes in 1992 is merely 35 minutes from the world record. I mean, world record hold by someone who does not have to pull another man, cycle another man and push another man.
Dick said, “Those doctors who asked us to give up hope are not alive any more, but I would like them to be able to see Rick now.”