It is with great sorrow that we note the death of Dick Hoyt, marathoner and triathlete, who for over three decades inspired thousands, including me, as he competed by pulling and pushing his son Rick along with him.
In my younger days I did triathlons in New England, and Dick and Rick were there almost always. The videos show the effort, but you really had to be there to appreciate it. It was like being in the presence of greatness.
I won’t tell you whether I beat them, or they beat me. Why won’t I? Because I don’t want to and you can’t make me.
The devotion of father to son extended far beyond the sports competition.
I haven’t done triathlons since my 2006 eye illness sidelined me. But I’ve often thought about Dick and Rick, they made such an impression.
So hearing today of Dick’s death at age 80 was hard to take. I wonder what will become of his son, hopefully there is family and other arrangments have been made.
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