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A Florida man crossed the finish line this weekend to become the first athlete with Down’s syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, the Special Olympics have announced.
Chris Nikic wore a jersey with his motto “1% better every day” as he finished the competition in Panama City Beach on Saturday in a moment captured on video.
Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb cross the IRONMAN Florida finish line on November 7 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves / Getty Images for IRONMAN)
“A year ago I wrote ‘Chris World Champ’,” the 21-year-old Maitland native tweeted on Sunday morning. “Everything is possible.”
According to the official Special Olympics Twitter account, Nikic inspired people around the world by setting a Guinness World Record with this feat.
“It’s official,” read a recent tweet. “Florida athlete @ChrisNikic is an IRONMAN.”
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The triathlon had a time limit of 17 hours, officials said. Nikic crossed the finish line after 16 hours, 46 minutes and 9 seconds, according to Guinness World Records.
The event consists of a 2.4 mile swim, 122 miles on the bike and a marathon race which all had to be completed within the allotted time.
Nikic, who has had two heart surgeries and several ear canal reconstructions, hopes to qualify for the 2022 US Special Olympics in Orlando, Fla., According to the Tampa-based WTVT.
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“Special Olympics Florida is incredibly proud of Chris Nikic and the work he has done over the past few years to achieve this monumental goal,” said Sherry Wheelock, President and CEO of Florida’s Special Olympics. “Chris has become a hero to many athletes, fans and individuals across Florida and across the country. He is an inspiration to all of us, and we could not be more proud of his remarkable accomplishments.
Nikic’s father, Nik Nikic, told the Orlando Sentinel that his son was far exceeding doctors’ expectations.
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“Since his birth, everyone told us that he would never do anything, represent nothing or be able to accomplish anything. [beyond] to be able to tie his own shoes, ”Elder Nikic told the newspaper. “And we believed them for a very long time.”
But despite medical setbacks and other obstacles, the 21-year-old made history at the Florida Panhandle event.
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