Rick Hoyt is a Boston Marathon legend. He ran multiple marathons in a wheelchair pushed by his father, Dick Hoyt. But who is Dick Hoyt, and where is he today? Dick and Rick Hoyt of Holland, Massachusetts, known as the Hoyt team. The Hoyts competed in many sports together, including over 30 Boston Marathons and Ironman Triathlons. Hoyt, the younger, has cerebral palsy and requires a wheelchair. In 2008, Hoyt received ESPN’s Jimmy V Award and was recognized in the Ironman Hall of Fame. Rick Hoyt died on May 22, 2023, in Leicester, Massachusetts, of respiratory problems. But where did Rick Hoyt’s father go? Dick Hoyt, is he still alive?
Who Is Rick Hoyt’s Father, Dick Hoyt? Wiki and Age
Dick Hoyt, Rick Hoyt’s father, was born on June 1, 1940 in Winchester, Massachusetts, United States. Dick Hoyt’s father and mother were Alfred Hoyt and Anna Jaworski. Anna is a dedicated housewife while Alfred works as a used car dealer. Elder Hoyt grew up in the North Reading neighborhood. Father Rick Hoyt attended North Reading High School and played quarterback for the team.
Dick Hoyt married his high school sweetheart, Judy Leighton, shortly after graduation in 1961. The cheerleader in charge was Dick Hoyt’s wife. Judy Hoyt (Leighton), Rick Hoyt’s mother, started Kamp for Kids in the late 1970s. Kamp For Kids allows disabled and non-disabled children to camp together. Additionally, Dick Hoyt served in the Army and Air National Guard for nearly four decades (37 years). Following his and his son’s running success, the elder Hoyt developed a career as an inspirational speaker, giving more than 100 talks each year.
Dick and Judy Hoyt are the happy parents of three sons, Rick, Russ, and Rob. Dick Hoyt, the longtime icon of the Boston Marathon, died on March 17, 2021. He allegedly died in his sleep at his home in Holland after suffering from health problems. Judy Hoyt, Rick Hoyt’s mother, died in 2010.
Dick and Rick Hoyt Running Achievements
Rick Hoyt was born on January 10, 1962, with cerebral palsy. He could not move a muscle or speak. Dick stated in his book “Devoted: The Story of a Father’s Love For His Son” that it took him longer to figure out how to interpret Rick’s nods and smiles. However, Tufts University engineers developed a computer in 1972 that allowed Rick to select letters by touching his skull. Rick’s first words were said to be “Go Bruins.” The Hoyt team was formed in 1977 after Rick asked his father if they could run together to help a paralyzed lacrosse player at his school.
Dick Hoyt was 36 years old at the time. The former lieutenant colonel of the Air National Guard is not a runner. However, he decided to run away with his son. After their first race, Rick told his father, “Dad, when I run, I feel like I’m not handicapped.” Rick’s father then began jogging every day with a bag of cement in his wheelchair. He has improved his fitness level significantly. Despite pushing Rick in a wheelchair, Hoyt senior ran the 5K in 17 minutes, achieving a new personal best. In 1992, Team Hoyt ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington and Virginia in 2 hours 40 minutes 47 seconds. Despite his increased burden, Hoyt placed first in the 50 to 59 age group. Dick and Rick Hoyt completed the 2014 Boston Marathon, their last event together.
Categories: Biography
Source: SCHOOL TRANG DAI
