The first Ironman athlete with Down syndrome sets new goals: the Boston and New York City Marathons
CBSN
Chris Nikic made history last year when he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman triathlon. Next, he'll be adding to his list of achievements when he runs the Boston Marathon on Monday and the New York City Marathon on November 3.
"I'm ready for it," the 22-year-old told CBS News in a Zoom interview as his father, Nik, hugged him. Chris admitted he's also looking forward to the fun and parties.
Last November, Chris earned a Guinness World Record for becoming the first person with Down syndrome to cross the finish line at a full Ironman competition. The milestone — a race that featured swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles — once seemed far out of reach for Chris, according to a new self-help book he co-wrote with his father.
