In Memory of Dick Hoyt: “Yes You Can!”
I remember interviewing Dick Hoyt a few years ago – let me tell you his energy was inspiring and his story (not to mention his killer Boston accent) has stuck with me years later. After 100’s of interviews, every season there is always that ONE story that ONE person who makes a difference, makes an impact not only in the media world but in your life; Dick was that person for me.
I only spoke to him a couple of times; he was gracious, funny, devoted. He invited me to stay at his house with his family and run the Rick Hoyt ½ marathon. I couldn’t swing the invite with my schedule; but I truly wish I had. When I heard of Dick’s passing in 2021, I remember wanting to reach out to his family to send my condolences. But thought, “pppffttt they wouldn’t remember me, I was just a host of a podcast and a fan.” So here you go – this is my way of keeping Team Hoyt’s memory on the forefront of your minds and spirits. Beth Sims
For more information on Team Hoyt click on Episode Details
Team Hoyt,” as the father-son racing duo was called, helped drive a profound shift in sports and the treatment of people with disabilities, one whose impact reached far beyond their Massachusetts community.
In addition to their races, Dick and Rick Hoyt biked and ran across the United States, covering 3,735 miles over 45 consecutive days, according to their site. Mr. Hoyt, who continued running even after a heart attack, heart surgery and a knee operation, was inducted with his son into the Ironman Hall of Fame in 2008. In 2020 they became the first “push-assist team” inducted into the USA Triathlon Hall of Fame.
“When we’re out there,” Dick. Hoyt told the Globe in 1990, “there’s nothing I feel I can’t do with Rick.”
Rick, for his part said “the thing I’d most like is for my dad to sit in the chair and I would push him for once.”
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