Chris Nikic is a 20 year old athlete from Florida who last night proved to the world that anything is possible. He became the first person with down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN triathlon race.
An IRONMAN race is a grueling test of endurance and mental strength, it begins with a 2.4 mile swim, then straight into a 112 mile bike ride before then going on to complete a 26.2 mile run.
Yes you read that correct, once you have completed your long distance swim and bike ride, you then have to complete a full marathon, all in under 17 hours or your finish will not count.
.@ChrisNikic is attempting to become the first person with Down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN triathlon. Recently, he had a swim training session in the Tampa Bay area and then visited our Global Headquarters for a tour.
Here's how his day went! #onepercentbetter #inclusion pic.twitter.com/kykMlC9cvx
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 5, 2020
This is an extraordinary accomplishment for any human being and Chris has proved that down syndrome people are just as if not more extraordinary.
His story captivated the world of triathlon yesterday as IRONMAN’s social media account followed his race with updates across their platforms every 30 minute for over 16 hours.
It’s time to make history! Good luck, @ChrisNikic!#IMFL #anythingispossible #onepercentbetter pic.twitter.com/nIjdOF3iIm
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
He came out of his swim with a great time of 1:55 before heading into the first transition where he would get ready to hop on his bike.
Chris Nikic is out of the water at 1:55! Time to tackle the bike!#IMFL #inclusion #onepercentbetter pic.twitter.com/579POc9Btx
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
A good reminder to enjoy the moment. 🤗 @chrisnikic #inclusion #onepercentbetter pic.twitter.com/1qzfMkLdGD
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
He kept an incredibly positive attitude through the bike as they checked in with him at the 56 mile marker.
GAME TIME! @chrisnikic has passed the 56-mile bike mark, still pacing for a finish. Follow along on the IRONMAN Tracker app! #inclusion #onepercentbetter #IMFL pic.twitter.com/TN8eeCWprL
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
He had 2 incidents while on his 112 mile bike ride as he was bitten by fire ants while stopping for a nutrition break and he also had a fall off of his bike which led to some cuts and bleeding on his legs. Chris was not going to let a little blood and pain stop him from making history as he soldiered on to begin his marathon with 6.5 hours left before cut off.
After some ant bites while stopping for nutrition and cuts from a little spill, nothing is stopping @ChrisNikic.
Who wouldn’t be inspired by this young man or the words of his father Nik as he gets ready for the marathon!#onepercentbetter #anythingispossible pic.twitter.com/Q9vt6x82hF
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
Ladies and gentleman, @chrisnikic is off the bike! A 26.2 mile run remains. He has roughly 6.5 hours to get it done and make history! 💪 #IMFL #inclusion #onepercentbetter pic.twitter.com/Np7uGmqwdD
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
On his run, the locals were with him every step of the way as they ran along side him for as long as they could to show support.
.@ChrisNikic is a little over five miles into the run. The pace is good. One foot in front of the other!
If you’re just joining us, Chris is attempting to become the first person with Down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN. #onepercentbetter #inclusion #IMFL pic.twitter.com/aSRNT5I4so
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 7, 2020
Chris crossed the finish line in a time of 16 hours and 46 minutes. A massive achievement for him and people with down syndrome across the globe.
That Finish Line Feeling. @ChrisNikic#onepercentbetter #anythingispossible pic.twitter.com/cU8asfUCyD
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) November 8, 2020
Never forget that anything is possible.