Florida’s Chris Nikic Became the 1st Person with Down Syndrome to Complete the Ironman World Championship.
Florida’s Chris Nikic became the 1st person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman World Championship. Wow. What an accomplishment! This just brings tears to your eyes. Tears of joy! After finishing the 140.6-mile race on Thursday, Chris made history.
That’s not an easy task either. According to USA Today, The 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride, and 26.2-mile run make up the triathlon. The 23-year-old Nikic finished the race in 16 hours, 31 minutes, and 27 seconds with the aid of volunteer guide Dan Grieb. This unforgettable moment went down in such a beautiful place, in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on his 23rd birthday too! Chris finished the race with a half-hour to spare before the 17-hour deadline. Happy birthday Chris!!
@ChrisNikic has shown the world again that #AnythingIsPossible. YOU ARE AN IRONMAN 🔥♥️💯👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/KwS2aML2n1
— IRONMAN Triathlon (@IRONMANtri) October 7, 2022
Chris’s Story:
Chris also made history almost 2 years ago when he finished the Florida Ironman in November 2020, being the first person with Down syndrome to do so. If you need some inspiration, or motivation. Chris has got it. This guy is an amazing dude, doing some incredible things. You can see for yourself by checking out his 1% Better challenge.
Chris is also featured in an inspiring Adidas ad where he says:
“I rarely saw anyone who looks like me in mainstream sports. And now, we’re changing that,” Nikic said. “Running changed my life, but now I want everyone like me to see it’s possible for them, too.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xuCM2ijc-08
Chris Nikic’s Ironman Journey:
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 08: Sebastien Bellin of Belgium celebrates with Chris Nikic after finishing the IRONMAN World Championships on October 08, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 08: Sebastien Bellin of Belgium celebrates with Chris Nikic after finishing the IRONMAN World Championships on October 08, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 08: Sebastien Bellin of Belgium celebrates with Chris Nikic after finishing the IRONMAN World Championships on October 08, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 08: Sebastien Bellin of Belgium celebrates with Chris Nikic after finishing the IRONMAN World Championships on October 08, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 08: Sebastien Bellin of Belgium celebrates with Chris Nikic after finishing the IRONMAN World Championships on October 08, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic and guide Dan Grieb celebrate after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Ironman announcer Mike Reilly talks with Chris Nikic and guide Dan Grieb after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his father Nick Nikic after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic and guide Dan Grieb celebrate after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Ironman announcer Mike Reilly talks with Chris Nikic and guide Dan Grieb after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic and guide Dan Grieb celebrate after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic celebrates with his girlfriend after finishing the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
KAILUA KONA, HAWAII - OCTOBER 06: Chris Nikic swims to the start line during the Ironman World Championships on October 06, 2022 in Kailua Kona, Hawaii. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic, his father, Nick Nikic, and his sister, Jacky, huddle after finishing IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb cross the finish line of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb competes in the run course of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic crosses the finish line of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic hugs his father Nick and his sister Jacky after finishing the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic hugs his guide Dan Grieb after finishing the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb cross the finish line of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic is awarded a medal after finishing IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic hugs his guide Dan Grieb after finishing the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic crosses the finish line of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic became the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion with his guide, Dan Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Nick Nikic applies sunscreen on his son Chris before the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic participates in the run portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic hugs his father, Nick Nikic, as he transitions from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: A spectator cheers on Chris Nikic as he approaches the transition from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic participates in the run portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic has his shoes tied by his father, Nick Nikic, as he transitions from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion with his guide, Dan Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion with his guide, Dan Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion with his guide, Dan Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic (right) talks with his guide Dan Grieb as they transition from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic (right) talks with his guide Dan Grieb as they transition from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Guide Dan Grieb leads Chris Nikic through the transition from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic competes in the bike portion with his guide, Dan Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic talks with his guide Dan Grieb as they transition from the bike portion to the run portion of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Guide Daniel Grieb applies to sunscreen on Chris Nikic as he prepares for the start of IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic (R) competes in the bike portion with his guide, Daniel Grieb, during IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic begins the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic begins the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb talk before the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic's father Nick helps Chris transition to the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic's father Nick helps Chris transition to the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic's father Nick helps Chris transition to the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic is helped onto his bike by guide Dan Grieb during the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic's father Nick helps Chris transition to the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic puts on his helmet as he transitions to the bike portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic, center, begins the swimming portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic, center, with his guide Dan Grieb, right, compete in the swimming portion of the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his father Nick walk together after bike check-in the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb talk to Ironman officials before the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 07: Chris Nikic hugs his dad Nick before the IRONMAN Florida on November 07, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic checks in his bike the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic walks to check in his bike the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his father Nick walk together after bike check-in the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb talk the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb talk the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb check in their bike the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb check in their bike the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his guide Dan Grieb check in their bike the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic talks to Ironman officials the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic poses for a photo with fellow athletes the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)
PANAMA CITY BEACH, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 06: Chris Nikic and his father Nick walk together after bike check-in the day before the IRONMAN Florida on November 06, 2020 in Panama City Beach, Florida. Chris Nikic is attempting to become the first Ironman finisher with Down syndrome. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images for IRONMAN)