SPORTS

A 21-year-old man has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon

Nov 10, 2020, 6:21 AM | Updated: 6:22 am

    (CNN) — Special Olympics athlete Chris Nikic crossed the finish line on Saturday to become the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon.

Guiness World Records recognized Nikic’s achievement after he finished a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2-marathon run at the Ironman Florida competition in Panama City Beach.

“Ironman. Goal set and achieve,” said Nikic in a post to Instagram. “Time to set a new and Bigger Goal for 2021.”

Nikic completed the race in 16 hours 46 minutes and 9 seconds — 14 minutes under the 17-hour cutoff time.

Nikic fell off his bike and was attacked by ants at a nutrition stop, but he pushed on to finish the competition, the Special Olympics said in a release.

“We are beyond inspired, and your accomplishment is a defining moment in Ironman history that can never be taken away from you,” the Ironman Triathlon organization said in a post to Twitter.

The organization documented the historic race with a series of updates to social media on the day of the competition. The final two miles of Nikic’s run were streamed live on Ironman’s Facebook page.

Nikic and his father Nik developed the “1 percent better challenge” to stay motivated during training. The idea is to promote Down syndrome awareness while achieving 1% improvement each day, according to Nikic’s website.

“To Chris, this race was more than just a finish line and celebration of victory,” Nik Nikic said. “Ironman has served as his platform to become one step closer to his goal of living a life of inclusion and leadership.”

Nikic’s accomplishment earned him congratulatory messages from celebrities, such as tennis great Billie Jean King and runner Kara Goucher, and people around the world, including 33,000 new followers on social media, according to Nikic.

After his record-setting achievement, Nikic will focus on competing in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games and continuing to raise money for Special Olympics, Down syndrome and RODS (Racing for Orphans with Down Syndrome) through his platform.

“I achieved my goal and now I want to help others like me,” he wrote to Instagram.

The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2020 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Send it to the KSL NewsRadio team here.

Today’s Top Stories

Sports

national ban on transgender...

Adam Small

Would a national ban on transgender involvement in sports affect Utah’s ban?

Could a national ban on transgender athletes competing in women's sports affect Utah's ban? One expert says it could make minor impacts.

11 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Mark Jones

WATCH: The feasibility of Major League Baseball coming to SLC

A Utah marketing expert says factors to consider include Salt Lake's growth but also competition from other cities.

12 months ago

There's been a flurry of conversation in recent weeks about Major League Baseball coming to Utah an...

Carter Williams, KSL.com

How does Salt Lake City stack up to Major League Baseball expansion competition?

The league last expanded in 1998, and it's still unclear when it might expand again, but Salt Lake City certainly isn't alone in the pursuit of a major league team.

12 months ago

New York Mets starting pitcher Max Scherzer throws during the third inning of a spring training bas...

Mark Jones

Matheson reflects on lessons of Major League Baseball opening day

Boyd Matheson, of Inside Sources, talks about the lessons to be found in baseball.

1 year ago

a man plays golf -- a study looked at weekday golfing...

Elizabeth Weiler

Weekday golfing has gone up thanks to remote working, study finds

If employees' productivity does not change, should employers care if they are golfing during the work day? 

1 year ago

Utah Valley University coach Mark Madsen directs his players during a basketball game against BYU a...

Mark Jones

Utah Valley University men’s basketball team has a winning culture

Utah Valley University men's basketball coach Mark Madsen joined Inside Sources with Boyd Matheson on Tuesday to discuss what made the team so successful this season.

1 year ago

Sponsored Articles

close up of rose marvel saliva blooms in purple...

Shannon Cavalero

Drought Tolerant Perennials for Utah

The best drought tolerant plants for Utah can handle high elevations, alkaline soils, excessive exposure to wind, and use of secondary water.

Group of cheerful team members high fiving each other...

Visit Bear Lake

How To Plan a Business Retreat in Bear Lake This Spring

Are you wondering how to plan a business retreat this spring? Read our sample itinerary to plan a team getaway to Bear Lake.

Cheerful young woman writing an assignment while sitting at desk between two classmates during clas...

BYU EMBA at the Marriott School of Business

Hear it Firsthand: 6 Students Share Their Executive MBA Experience at BYU’s Marriott School of Business

The Executive MBA program at BYU offers great opportunities. Hear experiences straight from students enrolled in the program.

Skier being towed by a rider on a horse. Skijoring....

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Looking for a New Winter Activity? Try Skijoring in Bear Lake

Skijoring is when someone on skis is pulled by a horse, dog, animal, or motor vehicle. The driver leads the skiers through an obstacle course over jumps, hoops, and gates.

Banner with Cervical Cancer Awareness Realistic Ribbon...

Intermountain Health

Five Common Causes of Cervical Cancer – and What You Can Do to Lower Your Risk

January is National Cervical Cancer Awareness month and cancer experts at Intermountain Health are working to educate women about cervical cancer.

Kid holding a cisco fish at winterfest...

Bear Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau

Get Ready for Fun at the 2023 Bear Lake Monster Winterfest

The Bear Lake Monster Winterfest is an annual weekend event jam-packed full of fun activities the whole family can enjoy.

A 21-year-old man has made history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon