Chris Nikic grew to become the primary individual with Down syndrome to finish IRONMAN Hawaii this weekend. Try to watch him end with out getting emotional (particularly as soon as he pulls out the engagement ring).
Sports activities historical past affords many tear-jerking finish-line moments, however Chris Nikic’s completion of IRONMAN Kona this weekend ranks among the many perfect.
Two years in the past, Nikic grew to become the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an IRONMAN. On Saturday, he did it once more — and celebrated the win by pulling out a hoop and getting engaged to his girlfriend.
“Altering the notion for each mother or father worldwide,” the announcer says as Nikic pulls his father into an embrace — after which refuses to let go. “Now all of them know what’s attainable for his or her youngsters.”
The 23-year-old completed the occasion with a time of 16 hours, 31 minutes, and 27 seconds. That’s not far behind the common end time for an IRONMAN, which is about 13 hours.
Nikic acquired the invitation to IRONMAN Kona after ending the Florida IRONMAN, in response to his web site. With a mission to advertise inclusion and an adidas sponsorship already within the bag, it appears clear that Nikic’s profile will proceed to rise.
Aiming for 1% Higher
In just some years, Nikic has racked up fairly a couple of accomplishments. He completed an Olympic triathlon, the New York Marathon, and the Boston Marathon — twice.
Nonetheless, Nikic needs to do rather more than run. He’s working towards a world the place extra individuals with Down syndrome really feel welcome in sports activities. That begins with bettering inclusion so that they know what’s attainable, he stated.
“I not often noticed anybody who seems like me in mainstream sports activities. And now, we’re altering that,” Nikic says in a video produced by adidas. “Working modified my life, however now I need everybody like me to see it’s attainable for them, too.”
With adidas, Nikic launched the Runner321 initiative, which needs to order that jersey quantity for a Down syndrome runner in each race.
The quantity 321 carries particular significance for these with Down syndrome. This genetic dysfunction outcomes from individuals with trisomy 21 — that means they’re born with one additional chromosome. Whereas most individuals have two copies of the twenty first chromosome, these with Down syndrome have three. That’s why World Down Syndrome Day occurs on March 21.
However Nikic additionally has his personal numerical inspiration. An creator and public speaker, he printed a e-book referred to as “1% Higher,” reflecting his philosophy to concentrate on self-improvement in small increments.
“I wish to change the perceptions and lift expectations for others like me so we are able to attain our God-given potential,” Nikic writes on his web site.
Watch extra of Chris Nikic on his Instagram.
