A man has just become the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman course, according to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/posts/10164620770045551">event organizers</a>. On Sunday, November 8, Chris Nikic, a 21-year-old athlete from Maitland, Florida completed the competition with a time of 16 hours and 46 minutes, per the <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/triathlon/54869998">BBC</a>. The ironman is made up of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a marathon, which is about 26.2 miles. [[facebookwidget||https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/posts/10164620770045551]] Ironman Florida has since taken to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/posts/10164620770045551">social media</a> to applaud Chris for his hard work, focus, and determination. "Congratulations Chris on becoming the first person with Down syndrome to finish an IRONMAN. You have shattered barriers while proving without a doubt that Anything is Possible!" they wrote on Facebook. "We are beyond inspired, and your accomplishment is a defining moment in IRONMAN history that can never be taken away from you...and now you get to brag for the rest of your life. "The opportunities you have created for others around the world through this journey you embarked upon, is immeasurable. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your remarkable life story and we can't wait to see what you achieve next." Related Video - This is the moment a man asked his brother with Down Syndrome to be his best man: [[jwplayerwidget||https://content.jwplatform.com/videos/TiqplVsz-Q0L14jDU.mp4||TiqplVsz]] Ironman Florida uploaded a number of photos and videos of the young athlete as he completed each stage of the intense course. [[facebookwidget||https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/posts/10164622392855551]] [[facebookwidget||https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/videos/691303611798067]] [[facebookwidget||https://www.facebook.com/IRONMANtri/videos/426069195451922]] Following the event, Chris took to Instagram to write: "Goal set and achieved. Time to set a new and BIGGER Goal for 2021. Whatever it is the strategy is the same. 1% Better every day." [[instagramwidget||https://www.instagram.com/p/CHVeXuSB3D_/]] He added: "YES, I did the work but I had angels helping me. God surrounded me with Angels. Best part of all. "New family and friends. All about awareness and inclusion. Awareness for Down Syndrome and Special Olympics. Inclusion for all of us with all of you. "I'm sorry for not responding personally to all your messages. It's amazing but overwhelming because I got 33K new followers and messages since yesterday. I will try and catch up. "I achieved my goal and now I want to help others like me." Well done, Chris!

Man becomes first person with Down Syndrome to complete Ironman

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