The Hoyt team consists of only two people - a father (Dick Hoyt) and a son (Rick Hoyt). The Dutch triathlon team has taken part in many marathons and competitions. Their team is special not because it's a father and son, but because Rick has been suffering from cerebral palsy since birth. On the water, Dick pulls him along in a special boat, on a bicycle there is a special place for Rick in the front, and while running, the father pushes his son in front of him in a special wheelchair.
In 2008, the Hoyt team was included in the Ironman Hall of Fame. This is a worthy role model not only for athletes, but also for parents.
The Hoyt team began its career in 1977, when Rick was inspired by an article about racing in a magazine. Dick was not a professional runner and at that time he was 37 years old. But he decided to try. After the first race, Rick said that when he runs, he doesn't feel disabled. Dick spent his first training sessions with a wheelchair loaded with a bag of cement, since Rick was at school and could not attend all the training sessions. As a result, Dick was able to bring his personal record of running with his son to 5 km in 17 minutes.
As of 2011, the Hoyt family has participated in 247 triathlon competitions, 6 Ironman, 7 Half Ironman, 22 duathlons, 70 marathons (30 Boston Marathons), 92 half marathons and a huge number of races over various distances.
Now Dick is 72 years old, Rick is 50 years old, and they are not going to stop yet.
