A 21-year-old man has become the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish the Ironman triathlon.
Last Saturday, Chris Nikic realized his dream of becoming the first person with Down syndrome to cross the Ironman finish line. The 21-year-old from Maitland, Florida, completed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bicycle ride, and a marathon 26.22-mile run. For his feat, Chris clocked in with a time of 16:46:09.
Chris Nikic told TODAY that he had to work hard and give his best every day. Chris added that by doing the Ironman triathlon and becoming a pro-speaker, he would have a chance to reach his dream.
Chris trained with Dan Grieb, who himself has 16 Ironman races tucked under his belt. He told TODAY it was his first time guiding someone else through the event. Yet, he only gives himself 30 percent credit as far as having a positive influence on Chris' performance. He, however, believes that God specifically elected him for Chris and his family.
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Ironman is a step closer to his ultimate goal
His father, Nik, said that Ironman served as a platform for Chris to move a step closer to his goal of living a "life of inclusion, normalcy, and leadership." He added that his son wanted to be an example to others that also face similar barriers and realize that no dream or goal is beyond reach.
Just before 6 a.m. local time, Chris started the race with a 2.4-mile swim in the Gulf of Mexico, PEOPLE noted. He completed two loops around Russell-Fields Pier in just under two hours. He then moved on to cycling which he completed in 8:12:37 but not without a few bites from fire ants and cuts to his legs. He then went on to finish the marathon in six hours and 18 minutes.
What kept him going?
Speaking to TODAY, Nick said that whenever his son feels overwhelmed, he just tries to remember his goals, and that gets him back on track. Chris also draws inspiration from parents of children with Down syndrome who support and appreciate what he does.
He said that parents reach out to his son and say that he is a hero to their kids because he has shown them they don't have to be limited. As for Nick, he "reboots" his son by giving him a hug which he calls "a hug of vulnerability."
Guinness World Records officially registered him as the first person with Down's syndrome to complete the Ironman challenge.
On his Instagram post, Chris wrote, "Goal set and achieved." He then added, "Time to set a new and BIGGER Goal for 2021." Chris said that whatever his new goal will be next year, his strategy remains the same, be one percent better every day. And while he did the work, he said that he had angels helping him.
For his next goal, Chris wants to be part of the 2022 Special Olympics that will take place in Orlando, Florida.
