04/18/24
February 20, 2007
Who's the Daddy?: Eighty-five times he's pushed his disabled son, Rick, 26.2 miles in Marathons. Eight times he's not only pushed him 26.2 miles in a wheelchair but also towed him 2.4 miles in a dinghy while swimming and pedaled him 112 miles in a seat on the handlebars - all in the same day. [I can't seem to get the original of this from SI, but this one includes an embedded YouTube link at the end]
These guys are Boston Marathon legends. Always an amazing sight on Patriots' Day.
posted by Venicemenace at 11:07 AM on February 20, 2007
I'm not sentimental, and the religious music annoyed the piss out of me, but I still have tears in my eyes after reading the story and watching the video. An incredible story if they did it once, and simply overwhelming that they keep doing it. Thanks, JJ.
posted by dusted at 11:29 AM on February 20, 2007
Amen, dusted.
posted by hellamarine at 12:10 PM on February 20, 2007
"Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a daddy." Ain't it the truth! Most excellent post JJ. I caught this in SI when it first ran. This man personifies what it means to be a committed parent. I also cried when I read the column. On another note, catch Rick Reilly's column in the Swimsuit issue. Hilarious!
posted by steelergirl at 12:13 PM on February 20, 2007
P.S. the quote is not taken from the story. I saw it on a plaque in a Hallmark store a long time ago. But I think it applies here.
posted by steelergirl at 12:15 PM on February 20, 2007
I also saw the column when it first ran. I must say that this is one of the most inspirational stories I have ever read.
posted by Ying Yang Mafia at 12:29 PM on February 20, 2007
"Those who say it can't be done are usually interrupted by others doing it." - James Baldwin Keep on keepin' on, Hoyts father and son.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 12:49 PM on February 20, 2007
They were in the last Hawaii Triathlon & were highlighted w/a video tribute!Was absolutely beautiful!Every pro athlete in the world should be made to sit down & watch it before they are allowed to open their mouths in front of a microphone!!!
posted by mdavidsf at 12:56 PM on February 20, 2007
Okay, that was so amazing! I'm overwhelmed and if you don't cry by this story, you have no heart. This is probably the best post ever.
posted by lil'red at 01:15 PM on February 20, 2007
I remember reading this when it came out a couple years ago. Very touching and inspiring. Also love the fact that the motivation to do these things is just about as pure as it gets. But - geez, couldn't the son have picked something a little less taxing? I can just see it "Daddy, Daddy - I know what will bring me joy - Let's run a marathon!" "..... Don't you like go karts?"
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 01:53 PM on February 20, 2007
There should be a quality quota if you are going to count every post until you reach 15.
posted by hawkguy at 02:46 PM on February 20, 2007
There should be a quality quota if you are going to count every post until you reach 15. Oh, there is.
posted by lil_brown_bat at 03:01 PM on February 20, 2007
Well, what I don't get is why someone would be so excited to post an FPP. To quote Cartman: "What's the big fucking deal?" Is there an article you just can't wait to link to? 'Cuz if it's a self-post it won't last too long. And we tend to comment on things for no more than a few days, so it ain't gonna last long. But, hey, as long as we're keeping count; Weedy 3310 of 3310
posted by WeedyMcSmokey at 03:05 PM on February 20, 2007
There should be a quality quota if you are going to count every post until you reach 15. Oh, there is. My faith in humanity is restored! 138 of 138. I'm still young. My comments might get better.
posted by hawkguy at 03:24 PM on February 20, 2007
God Bless Them Both!!!!!!!!!!
posted by jaclp at 03:41 PM on February 20, 2007
I love this story. Makes me want to be a better parent.
posted by 2bnamedl8r at 04:03 PM on February 20, 2007
I'm sad to see the end of your run Weedy, but thanks for the 3310.
posted by yerfatma at 04:21 PM on February 20, 2007
What inspiration. I cried. I know that there are many wonderful stories in this world, I only wish we could hear about more of them, instead of all the crap that goes on in this world. My sincerest thanks JJ for the article. Peace to all of you.
posted by bobrolloff at 04:47 PM on February 20, 2007
Kinda makes you wonder about those "busy" people who can't find a few minutes a day to spend with their kids, doesn't it?
posted by ctal1999 at 06:11 PM on February 20, 2007
WOW!!! I have a long way to go. Boy, am I lazy. Boy, my daddyhood REALLY wreaks! Go daddy. Enjoyed the music and the video. Right, ctal1999, I've got to make more time with my children.
posted by bavarianmotorworker at 07:37 PM on February 20, 2007
Not exactly a new story. I have read some of the stories on the Hoyt's and seen some videos, even seen them on TV. Yet I am inspired everytime I see them. My vote for Father Of the Year! (again). Thanks for the refresh JJ, great post.
posted by urall cloolis at 11:18 PM on February 20, 2007
Is it wrong to cry on the crapper? Because that is exactly what happened to me when I read this story in SI a year or so ago. I came out with red puffy eyes and my G/F asked me if I was in there smoking something (and why didn't I share?). Unfortunately she figured it out and promptly laughed at me (which I deserved). This guy is the MAN/DAD/HUMAN of the Century!!!
posted by yay-yo at 12:24 PM on February 21, 2007
I saw these two while watching and Ironman race one Sat. about 7 years ago. I cried then and i cried now even seeing a lot of the footage before. The line about pushing his dad in a chair absolutely got me. I hope i can be that kind of parent to my kids one day. Just goes to show you what's really important to some people doesn't matter at all to others. He doesn't care about recognition all he cares is that his son doesn't have to feel totally disabled when they are out there.
posted by amatzek at 10:34 AM on February 22, 2007
I believe that there was a story about Dick and Rick Hoyt on Bryant Gumble's Real Sports on HBO. It's a beautiful thing to see how far a dad will go in order for his son to feel as if he's living his life with no bounderies. Sports can bring that out in people no matter their race, creed or color and even if they're suffering from a disability that can prevent them from living a 'normal' life. This guy is the truth.