21-year-old Chris Nikic became the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon. He earned himself a Guinness World Record for finishing the race, and his milestone was considered historic for the Special Olympics.
Nikic swam 2.4 miles, biked 112 miles and ran 26.2 miles in 16 hours, 46 minutes and 9 seconds during Florida’s Ironman in Panama City Beach. His completion happened 14 minutes before the official cut-off time. Nikic wasn’t alone in his triathlon, he completed it along with his guide Dan Grieb.
He celebrated the big feat on Instagram noting “Goal set and achieved. Time to set a new and BIGGER goal for 2021.” He shared that this goal was all about inclusion and awareness for others with Down syndrome and for the Special Olympics.
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