If there were a global award for the world’s most devoted father, Dick Hoyt would be a leading contender.
In 1962, the Hoyt family welcomed a son, Rick. Shortly after birth, Rick was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. At the time, the condition was poorly understood, and doctors told his parents he would spend his life in a vegetative state in an institution. But the Hoyts refused to give up on their son.
Though Rick could only move his head, his mother Judy began teaching him the alphabet by labeling items around the house. In 1974, a group of students from Tufts University developed a communication device that allowed Rick to “speak” by typing with head movements. To afford the equipment, Dick worked multiple jobs.
Then, in 1977, Rick expressed a wish to take part in a charity race supporting a paralyzed athlete. Though Dick had never run before, he agreed—driven by love and determination. He pushed Rick in a heavy wheelchair for 8.5 kilometers, enduring pain and exhaustion. Despite finishing near last, they were cheered as champions. On the way home, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I run, I feel like I’m not disabled anymore.” That single sentence changed everything.
From that moment, “Team Hoyt” was born. The father-son duo began training and eventually competed in races of increasing difficulty: 10 km, 22.5 km, full marathons—and eventually, triathlons. Dick not only ran with Rick but also swam, pulling him in a boat, and cycled with him in a special seat. They even conquered the grueling Ironman competition multiple times, completing 3.86 km of swimming, 180.25 km of cycling, and a full 42.195 km marathon—six times in total.
By 2014, Team Hoyt had participated in over 1,500 races. Their achievements earned them a place in the Ironman Hall of Fame and a statue in Boston. Rick went on to earn a degree in inclusive education and worked at Boston College, helping to develop technology for people with disabilities.
Reflecting on their incredible journey, Dick once said:
“If I had the chance to live my life over again, I wouldn’t change a thing. I don’t regret a single moment I spent with my son.”
