Global Courant 2023-05-23 00:17:50
Boston Marathon racer Rick Hoyt has passed away at the age of 61
BOSTON — Rick Hoyt, who became a fixture at the Boston Marathon and other races for decades with his father pushing his wheelchair, has passed away. He was 61.
Hoyt died of complications with his respiratory system, his family announced Monday.
“Rick, along with our father, Dick, were icons in the road racing and triathlon world for more than 40 years, inspiring millions of people with disabilities to believe in themselves, set goals and achieve extraordinary things,” the Hoyt family said in a statement. a statement.
Rick Hoyt had cerebral palsy, which left him paralyzed, but he and his father were as much a part of the Boston Marathon as Sore Feet or Heartbreak Hill. Urged by Dick Hoyt, the two completed the course 32 times.
They also competed in over 1,000 other races, including duathlons and triathlons; in 1992, they completed a US run and bike ride that covered 3,735 miles (6,010 kilometers) in 45 days. In 2013, a father and son statue was erected near the Boston Marathon starting line in Hopkinton.
Dick Hoyt passed away in 2021.
“It is hard to believe that they are both now deceased, but their legacy will never die. Dick and Rick Hoyt have inspired millions around the world,” said Dave McGillivray, the race director for the Boston Marathon and other events the Hoyts have competed in. “We will always be grateful to Rick for your courage, determination, tenacity and willingness to give of yourself so that others too can believe in themselves, set goals and make a difference in this world just like you.
(TagsToTranslate)Marathons
