This is a trailer for our non-profit organization (CDifferent ) that leads blind athletes in triathlons. Hope you enjoy....

http://medialab.ifc.com/film_detail.jsp?film_id=2337

Call me cynical or a wet-blanket, but I'm tired of this Hoyt story. There are two sides to it. His ex-wife, Judy Hoyt, was interviewed for part of a 60 Minutes story and she paints a different picture:

http://sixtyminutes.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=269257

LIZ HAYES (60 Minutes): Team Hoyt is now a corporate identity with high-profile sponsors. They make appearances all over America and the running never stops. Dick and Rick have set themselves a gruelling schedule — a marathon almost every weekend. But their success has come at a high price. Twelve years ago, the relentless commitment took its toll. The family fractured and Judy left the marriage. Do you see it as an obsession?

JUDY HOYT: Oh God, yes.

LIZ HAYES: On whose behalf?

JUDY HOYT: Dick.

LIZ HAYES: Not Rick?

JUDY HOYT: I don't think so.

LIZ HAYES: You think it's about fame?

JUDY HOYT: Yeah I do, I really do.

LIZ HAYES: And you think it's exploitation and some manipulation of Rick?

JUDY HOYT: Yes I do, I honestly do.

LIZ HAYES: And that's just because it doesn't stop?

JUDY HOYT: Yes.

Yeah, thanks, downer.

The whole article is actually a pretty good read. I actually kind of always had a weird feeling a little bit when I would see them running. They obviously love the media attention, and it almost seemed like the moms that force their daughters to do the pageants and what not. The interview makes it seem like it's Rick (the son) that wants to keep competing, but I'm sure it's both of them.

RICK HOYT: To tell you the truth, it was my idea to begin running with my dad. I do see my role as the inspiration of Team Hoyt. Also, I was overwhelmed with a sense of happiness that I could show that life goes on beyond disability.

Rick seems to communicate fine and I'm sure he'd be able to say if he felt exploited. I've no doubt they enjoy the spotlight, but that aside, it's still a remarkable story.

/k

I agree. I think there is some bitterness here. If Dick wanted to "feed his own ego", I think he would just compete by himself- seeing what he does with Rick- it would seem to me that he would kick @ss out there as an AGer w/o Rick. Granted he wouldn't get the national exposure he does with Rick, he would definitely be a top dog in the triathlon and marathon communities in his age group. Now, that being said, I can see how his marriage could have problems; Ironman could definitely do that. That's an awful lot of pain to go through just to "feed an ego."

I just saw the Hoyt's as I passed them on Heartbreak Hill yesterday in Boston. The applause around them was inspirational, as was the effort by Dick and the animation of Rick. Rick seemed to be inspiring his dad to keep pushing up the hill. I don't think there was a person around that didn't find an extra gear at that moment.

I don't know the inside story nor do I care to. I find something heartwarming about a father who would do this for his child.

Yes, I think it it completely immature and childish. I also love it. :)

But not at the expense of her son. If that is the case she is one of those mothers you only see on Jerry Springer.

But who knows these days...