In Ironman’s 42-year history, no athlete with Down’s syndrome, external – a genetic condition that can cause varying degrees of learning disability and slower physical development – has even attempted an event, let alone finished one.
On Saturday, footage circulated on social media of Nikic’s father helping put running shoes on his son’s feet while – his voice breaking with pride – telling him “you are almost an Ironman buddy. You’re two thirds of an Ironman”, external.
Sporting cuts on his knees from a minor bike crash earlier in the day, Nikic duly did the rest, completing the marathon leg in darkness in six hours 18 minutes.
His journey to the finish line had started three years earlier when, after noticing his son was becoming increasingly sedentary, Nik Nikic encouraged him to become 1% fitter each day. Training began with a single push-up.
“To Chris, this race was more than just a finish line and celebration of victory,” said his father.
“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.”
