Anything is possible

Not everyone can be an Ironman. grueling distance with 3.86km open water swim, 180.2km bike and ending with a 42.195km marathon. all in under 17 hours before you can call yourself an Ironman. yeah. more and more challenged themselves to this almost insane distance and they made it. you might have heard stories from ordinary people from all walks of life doing it. blue collar, white collar, students, elders, handicapped, visually impaired and all. these are the true heroes because they have to handle work (to support their family) and also train (gruesome number of hours).

out of all, i'm most touched by the following story:

1989 Ironman World Championship: Dave and Rick Hoyt


Dave


Rick

Rick suffers from cerebral palsy since birth which is why he's not even able to walk and has to rely on a wheel chair. His father, Dave is a 46 years old man who wants to prove to everyone that no matter who you are, you should have the same rights to go to school and also participate in sports.

in 1989, the father and son duo touched the hearts of many by going into Ironman in Kona, Hawaii. a course which even cripples pros and melted thousands with its heat, humidity and strong crosswinds.


Dave has to drag Rick on a rubber float for the swim course. yes 3.86km of swim and that's about 77 lapses in your typical 50m swimming pool. and it's in open water.


Dave carrying Rick to head for their bike segment. after a 2hrs plus swim.


that's them on the bike. under the baking sun and taking in the heat


the 180km bike ride took them from scorching sun to sunset


the 42.195km marathon. not an easy task to even complete on your own. let alone pushing a wheelchair for the whole distance.


dashing for the title of Ironman.. or shld i say.. Ironmen


Nothing is impossible. Dave and Rick Hoyt

in 2006, they attempted the race one more time. one last time. sadly to say, they didn't make the cut off time for the swim and was force to give up the race. however they still completed the same old way they did previously. father pulling his son for the 3.8km swim.. all the way.


scene of pure determination and love for his son.


no matter what, you are still.. an Ironman.. tough in every aspect.



Dave and Rick Hoyt.True champions

remember. if they can do it, why can't you? not only in sports, but also in everything else.