Triathlete with Down syndrome takes on a challenge that most ‘never even dream of trying’
Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to compete and finish the Ironman World Championship, has announced his plan to compete in an Ultraman competition in Hawaii in 2025. Nikic is the founder of 1% Better, a motivational brand created to encourage himself and others to set small goals to achieve big success.
The Ultraman competition is considered one of the most challenging physical competitions in the world. It takes place over three days and stretches over 320 miles, including a 6.2-mile ocean swim, 261.4-mile bike ride, and a 52.4-mile ultra-marathon run. This year’s competition will take place in November, and Nikic will be accompanied by a guide.
Nikic is no stranger to success. Two years before completing the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kona, Hawaii, he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete any triathlon competition. And just last year, he achieved an “Abbott Six Star” medal by completing marathons in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago, and New York. His achievement is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records.
Nikic is not only an athlete, but also a motivational speaker and spokesperson. On his website and at his speaking engagements, he shares the process he followed to achieve his goals — steps that are applicable to persons with or without intellectual disabilities.
“I am a typical person with Down syndrome and all the associated disabilities, except one. I focus on my God-given abilities,” stated Nikic.
According to his website, in January 2018, Nikic was “overweight” and saw “no future after High School.” But now, according to Triathlon Magazine, he is about to complete “a feat that most triathletes never even dream of trying.” On his Instagram account, Nikic shared his theme this year: “All in – No sidelines,” and assured his followers, “It’s going to be an amazing year.”
Human Interest·By Leslie Wolfgang
