Team Hoyt facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Team Hoyt
Team Hoyt in Wellesley, Massachusetts, during the 2012 Boston Marathon
Nationality	American
Years active	1977–2014
Known for	Athletic events including the Boston Marathon
Dick Hoyt
Full name	Richard Eugene Hoyt Sr.
Born	(1940-06-01)June 1, 1940 Winchester, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	March 17, 2021(2021-03-17) (aged 80) Holland, Massachusetts, U.S.
Rick Hoyt
Full name	Richard Eugene Hoyt Jr.
Born	(1962-01-10)January 10, 1962 Holland, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died	May 22, 2023(2023-05-22) (aged 61) Leicester, Massachusetts, U.S.

Team Hoyt was a famous father-son team, Dick Hoyt (born June 1, 1940, died March 17, 2021) and Rick Hoyt (born January 10, 1962, died May 22, 2023). They were from Holland, Massachusetts. This amazing duo competed in many athletic events together. These included over 30 marathons, especially the Boston Marathon, and even tough Ironman Triathlons. Rick had cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement. During their races, Dick would pull Rick in a special boat for swimming. He would carry him on a special seat on the front of a bicycle. For the running parts, Dick pushed Rick in a special wheelchair. Team Hoyt was honored in the Ironman Hall of Fame. They also received ESPN's Jimmy V Award for their incredible spirit.

Rick's Early Life and How He Learned to Communicate

Rick Hoyt was born with cerebral palsy. Doctors often told his parents that Rick would not be able to do much. But his parents noticed Rick's eyes would follow them. This gave them hope that he could communicate one day.

Rick's parents took him to Children's Hospital in Boston every week. There, a doctor encouraged them to treat Rick like any other child. Rick's mother, Judy, spent hours teaching him the alphabet. She used sandpaper letters and put signs on everything in their house. Rick quickly learned the alphabet.

When Rick was 11, his parents helped him get a computer. This computer allowed him to communicate. It quickly became clear that Rick was very smart. With this new device, Rick was able to go to public schools for the first time.

Rick later went to Boston University. He graduated in 1993 with a degree in special education. After that, he worked at Boston College. He helped develop computer systems to assist people with disabilities in communicating and doing other tasks.

Team Hoyt's Amazing Journey

Team Hoyt in the 2008 Boston Marathon, near the halfway point

Team Hoyt started their journey in 1977. Rick asked his father if they could run in a race. This race was to help a lacrosse player at his school who had become paralyzed. Rick wanted to show that life continues, no matter your disability. Dick Hoyt was a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Air National Guard. He was 36 years old and not a runner at all.

After their first race, Rick told his dad, "Dad, when I’m running, it feels like I’m not handicapped." This inspired Dick. He started running every day, pushing a bag of cement in the wheelchair. Rick was at school, so he couldn't train with his dad. Dick got so fit that he could run a 5K run in just 17 minutes, even while pushing his son!

By March 2016, the Hoyts had finished 1,130 endurance events. This included 72 marathons and six Ironman Triathlons. They ran the Boston Marathon 32 times, from 1980 to 2014. In 1992, Dick and Rick even biked and ran across the U.S. They covered 3,735 miles (6,011 km) in 45 days.

How They Competed in Triathlons

When they competed in triathlons, Dick had special ways to help Rick.

• For the swimming part, Dick used a rope attached to his body. He would pull Rick, who was sitting in a small boat.
• For the cycling part, Rick rode on the front of a specially designed tandem bike.
• For the running part, Dick pushed Rick in his wheelchair.

The 2013 Boston Marathon

In the 2013 Boston Marathon, Team Hoyt was about a mile from the finish line. Then, two bombs exploded nearby. Officials stopped them and thousands of other runners. They were not hurt. A kind person with an SUV gave them a ride to a hotel. Rick's wheelchair was temporarily separated from them, but they got it back.

Their Last Race and Legacy

On April 21, 2014, Dick and Rick Hoyt finished the 2014 Boston Marathon. They had announced this would be their last race together. From 2015 to 2019, Rick Hoyt was pushed in the Boston Marathon by Bryan Lyons, a dentist. Bryan Lyons passed away in June 2020.

Dick Hoyt passed away in his sleep at his home on March 17, 2021. He was 80 years old. Rick Hoyt passed away on May 22, 2023, at the age of 61. Their story continues to inspire people around the world.

Honors and Recognition

Statue of the Hoyts located near the start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton, Massachusetts

Team Hoyt was added to the Ironman Hall of Fame in 2008. This is a very special honor for athletes.

On April 8, 2013, a bronze statue was made to honor the Hoyts. It stands near the start of the Boston Marathon in Hopkinton, Massachusetts.

ESPN gave Team Hoyt the Jimmy V Perseverance Award. This happened at the ESPY Award show on July 17, 2013. This award celebrates people who show great strength and never give up.

Team Hoyt was also featured on inspiring billboards across the U.S.

Racing Achievements

Team Hoyt competed in many different types of races. Here is a list of their amazing achievements:

In total, they completed 1,130 events by March 22, 2016.

See also

In Spanish: Equipo Hoyt para niños