A 21-year-old Albanian American man has become the first person with Down Syndrome to complete the Ironman challenge.
Chris Nikic who has also competed in the Special Olympics, completed the notoriously tough race in 16:46:09 with no breaks. It comprises of a 2.4-mile swim, a 26.2-mile run (a marathon distance) and a 112-mile bike ride. The race must be finished in under 17 hours in order to qualify.
Chris prepared for the event by training for at least four hours a day, six days a week.
Special Olympics Florida said:
“We are incredibly proud of Chris and the work he has put in to achieve this monumental goal. He’s become a hero to athletes, fans, and people across Florida and around the world. He’s an inspiration to all of us.”
Chris has been taking part in triathlons since he was 16 and will now start training for the triathlon in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games.
Chris wrote on his Instagram:
“Goal set and achieved,” Nikic wrote on Instagram on Sunday, in part. “Time to set a new and bigger goal for 2021. Whatever it is, the strategy is the same. One per cent better every day. Yes, I did the work but I had angels helping me. God surrounded me with angels. Best part of all. New family and friends. All about awareness and inclusion. Awareness for Down Syndrome and Special Olympics. Inclusion for all of us with all of you.”
