Chris Nikic’s “1% Better” mantra serves as the triathlon highlight of 2020
First athlete with Down Syndrome to finish an Ironman featured on premiere of Anything is Possible
Photo by:
Michael Reaves/ Getty Images for Ironman
With the world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, triathlon racing was justifiably put on the back-burner for much of the year. One athlete, though, managed to grab the world’s attention, though, through his incredible athletic feats that set a new standard for the sport.
On November 7 Chris Nikic became the first athlete with Down Syndrome to finish a full-distance race when he crossed the finish line at Ironman Florida in 16:46:09. His journey to the finish line in Panama City Beach began with a push up – following his father Nik’s direction to become “1% better every day,” Nikic began with a push up at the age of 18. By the time he was 21 he had moved the bar to a full-distance Ironman.
Ironman will celebrate Nikic’s amazing achievement by featuring him in it’s premiere edition of “Anything is Possible,” which will air on NBC on Jan. 3, 2021 at 2 pm EST. Anything is Possible – The Series will also be available globally on the Ironman Now Facebook Watch page.
Nikic is a Special Olympics Champion Ambassador who achieved his impressive goal thanks to coach and guide Dan Grieb. In the show we’ll be introduced to the Maitland, Fla.’s family and get an inside view of “the daily realities of Down syndrome.”
“To Chris, this race was more than just a finish line and celebration of victory,” Nik Nikic said in a press release sent out by Ironman. “Ironman has served as his platform to become one step closer to his goal of living a life of inclusion, normalcy, and leadership. It’s about being an example to other kids and families that face similar barriers, proving no dream or goal is too high.”
“If Chris can do an Ironman, he can do anything,” Nik continued.
“To Chris, this race was more than just a finish line and celebration of victory,” Nik said after the race in November. “Ironman has served as his platform to become one step closer to his goal of living a life of inclusion, normalcy, and leadership. It’s about being an example to other kids and families that face similar barriers, proving no dream or goal is too high.”
Chris Nikic’s achievement recently received mainstream support when he was nominated for the prestigious Sports Illustrated Inspiration Award. While he didn’t win the award (WNBA star Maya Moore was the eventual winner), Nikic was in some impressive company with the nomination – other nominees included Sarah Fuller (football) and basketball player Jaylen Brown.