Chris Nikic Just Made History As The First Man With Down Syndrome To Complete An Ironman Triathlon!
If this isn’t a feel-good story, I don’t know what is! People think that we all fit in boxes and that is just not true!
A year ago I wrote “Chris World Champ”. Anything is Possible. https://t.co/iaU2qOmOcq
— Chris Nikic (@ChrisNikic) November 8, 2020
Chris Nikic is a 21-year-old man that happens to have Down Syndrome. He is also a man that set a goal to achieve and worked hard to make it happen. Chris should be an inspiration to every single one of us.
He’s a Special Olympics athlete that decided he wanted to take on an Ironman competition. Well, he did it and he completed it! Saturday he became the first person with Down Syndrome to do so!
Guinness World Records has recognized this outstanding achievement! Chris is a rockstar after completing a 2.4 mile swim, a 112 mile bike ride, and a 26.2 mile marathon run!
It’s an honour to welcome Chris into the Guinness World Records fraternity as the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN, and I look forward to seeing what more is in store from this remarkable young man.
Craig Glenday, Editor-in-Chief
The Ironman Florida competition was held in Panama City Beach and he completed the race in 16 hours, 46 minutes, and 9 seconds! The cut-off for the event is 17 hours.
At one point Nikic fell off of his bike and was also attacked by ants at a nutrition stop during the race. That would have been the end of me, but he continued on.
1% Better Challenge
To stay motivated during training, Nikic and his father developed the “1 percent better challenge“. While promoting Down Syndrome awareness, they are also pushing for a 1% improvement each day.
.@ChrisNikic, YOU ARE AN IRONMAN!
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 8, 2020
Congratulations Chris on becoming the first person with Down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN. You have shattered barriers while proving without a doubt that Anything is Possible!
(1/3) pic.twitter.com/YMa1ix0DGH
His next goal? Chris is now focusing on qualifying to compete in the triathlon for the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games held in Orlando from June 5th through June 12th, 2022! GO CHRIS!!
