What a joy after more than 16 hours. Chris Nikic writes sports history in Hawaii. He is the first person with Down syndrome to complete the legendary Ironman on the Pacific Islands. The 23-year-old American sets new standards when it comes to inclusion and is an inspiration for everyone.
Completely euphoric, Chris Nikic threw up his arms, pointed to his name on the scoreboard - and shook his head in disbelief. Once again he had made the almost impossible possible and pushed the boundaries. As the first person with Down syndrome, the American managed the ordeal at the legendary Ironman World Championships in the sweltering heat of Hawaii.
After 16:31:27 hours, shortly before midnight local time, he crossed the finish line on Alii Drive. Once again he provided an inspiration for his fellow sufferers. He has realized a "dream", said Nikic. And if you can do Hawaii, you can do "everything else" in life. He stayed under the time limit for almost half an hour and undercut the mark of his first Ironman from 2020 in Florida by 15 minutes. At the finish, numerous spectators chanted the legendary words "Chris, you are an Ironman". He deserved it.
Nikic was born with the chromosomal disorder trisomy 21, which means he has, among other things, a lower muscle tone, a slower reaction time and also learns more slowly. "Yes, I have natural disadvantages," says Nikic. But he sees that more as an incentive than as an obstacle. His motto: "Get one percent better every day." Coach Dan Grieb always accompanies him as a guide during the race. "Here we go," said the visibly euphoric Nikic before he set off on the track.
The 23-year-old needed 1:42:41 hours for the swim, and he completed the 180.2 kilometers on the bike in 8:05:37. Unlike all professionals or age group athletes, he can't even begin to assume an aerodynamic position. Because of his handicap, Nikic has to ride very upright, and his natural instability also forces him to use wider tires with significantly more rolling resistance.
At dusk, the 2021 ESPY award winner fought his way through the marathon in 6:29:01, and late at night thousands of spectators cheered him frenetically in the finish area - the deserved reward for a unique performance by an extraordinary personality.
