Boston Marathon Icon Dick Hoyt passes! #dad #hero #idea #marathons #unitedstatesofamerica #disability #hero #boston #hoyt

 

“DAD, YOU ARE MY HERO!”

 

An idea was born in 1977.

Two people began to take part in marathons across the United States of America. In 1980, for the first time, they took part in the Boston Marathon. One of the pair was Dick Hoyt, the other person was Rick, his son.

What was so special about the two people?

First, Rick could not run. He was born a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Because of his condition he was confined to a wheelchair, the story in CBS Boston reports.

So how could he take part in the marathons?

His father, Dick, pushed him in a wheelchair! In 1977 the pair began taking part in marathons across the country. Then in 1980, they participated in the Boston Marathon.

In 2014 Dick Hoyt retired from the Boston marathon. But in a generous and loving act Bryan Lyons replaced him so that Rick could continue to take participate in the marathon.

Last year, however, Bryan died suddenly.

“Dick Hoyt was a fixture in the race for decades” April Siese writes for CBS News. But he developed some health issues. “Iconic Boston Marathon runner Dick Hoyt has died at 80” the headline to the March 18, 2021 story said. He died in his sleep after dealing with a series of health issues.

Over the course of his lifetime Hoyt participated in 72 marathons and 257 triathlons, Siese writes.

The Boston Athletic Association issued a statement calling Hoyt “one-of-a -kind.”

Boston Marathon Race Director Dave McGillivray remembered him “fondly”.

Marty Walsh, Mayor of Boston; Charlie Baker Governor of Massachusetts; Boston Athletic Association, Boston Marathon Race Director all paid tribute to Dick Hoyt.

Three sons survive him.

Among all the glowing accolades it was, perhaps, his son, Russ, who paid him the highest tribute.

His dad, he said, was his hero.

#dad #hero #idea #marathons #unitedstatesofamerica #disability #hero #boston #hoyt