R.I.P. Dick Hoyt

I'm sad to report more unfortunate news on this FOREVER A PATRIOT day as Boston Marathon legend, Dick Hoyt has passed away at the age of 80.

We are tremendously saddened to learn of the passing of Boston Marathon icon Dick Hoyt. Dick personified what it means to be a Boston Marathoner, finishing 32 races with son Rick. We are keeping his many family & friends in our prayers. https://t.co/glau0ryh4R pic.twitter.com/SYmvZfezW7

— B.A.A. (@BAA) March 17, 2021

Dick Hoyt ran a 2:40 Boston Marathon pushing his son. The greatest feat in running history. They also did six Ironman Triathlons. For the swim portion, he used a rope attached to his body to pull Rick in a boat. For two miles. And then 150 miles on a bike and the 26.2 mile run. https://t.co/hzTEGbbkYW

— Kirk Minihane (@kirkmin) March 17, 2021

If you're unfamiliar with Dick's story, he pushed his son Rick, who has cerebral palsy, during 32 Boston Marathon starting in 1980. All told, Dick and Rick participated in well over 1,000 races together, including bi and triathlons. According to Wikipedia (my favorite source), the exact number is 1,130 races. All this by a middle-aged man pushing his son, it's almost unbelievable. What an act of love by a father for his son. I don't want to just regurgitate wiki to you, but I actually remember hearing this part of their story: Dick originally was planning on retiring from running marathons in 2013, but after being unable to cross the finish line due to an act of terror, he and Rick returned in 2014 to finish one last time. 

I mean, you wanna talk about an inspirational life? It's tough to top Dick's. Dick Hoyt is remembered for being a loving father who would do anything to make his son feel "normal" and loved when plenty of people, especially in that era, probably would've just shipped him off to an institution. 

I know DOL mostly me talking about sports, pop culture, and trying to sarcastically laugh my way through all the horrors of existence in the 21st century, but there's plenty of real-life stuff on Doz on LIFE, and this story of love between a father and son gets me every time; I had to pay my respects. 

We often hear stories of parents who will do anything for their kids, and Dick was one of those people. I can't remember the first time I heard their story. It could've been before or after the Marathon Bombing, but this story has been on ESPN on multiple programs and HBO's Real Sports. I've seen multiple pieces on them, and they'll all bring you to tears. If every father loved their kids as Dick Hoyt did, the world would be a much better place.
 
I've included their acceptance of the Jimmy V Perseverance Award at the 2013 ESPYS. Highly suggest watching it. Sorry, it's recorded off of somebody's TV, but the quality is pretty solid.​

 R.I.P. Dick Hoyt

P.S.

Not to make this about me, but I coached Unified Basketball in 2019, and it's hands down the most rewarding thing I've ever done as an educator. Seeing the pure excitement in my kids when they scored was the best. Dick was spot on in his speech; all people deserve the right to live, learn, work and play. Dick Hoyt was a great man with an even better head of hair! R.I.P.