Chris Nikic set a new world record by being the first Special Olympics athlete and the first person with Down Syndrome to complete a 140.6-mile Ironman. He now has 4 world records for Ironman and Marathons. His mission is to inspire others like him to pursue their dreams and goals.

His greatest achievement is showing others how getting 1% better every day and shifting your focus from your disabilities to your abilities and pursuing your dreams with an unwavering tenacity, a positive attitude and a no-quit grit can help anyone achieve their goals. Chris has achieved the following over the last few years:

• Three IORNMANS Including IRONMAN HAWAII
• Abbot SIX Stars for finishing Boston, NYC, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, and London Marathons
• FOUR Guinness World Records
• Special Olympics and Laureus Global Ambassador
• NBC Documentary and ESPN Special Edition
• 2X ESPY Award Winner (Jimmy V for Perseverance & Male Athlete with a disability)
• Laureus Global Sporting Moment of the Year
• Kulture City Inclusion Person of the Year
• PRWeek Most Purposeful Person Under 30
• Florida Sports Hall of Fame inductee, class of 2022
• Inspired a new category for athletes with disabilities with Ironman and Major marathons
• Institute for Sports and Social Justice – Barrier Breaker Award
• Children’s Book: 1% Better – The Chris Nikic Story 
• Author Book: 1% Better – Reaching My Full Potential and How You Can Too 
• Inspired 6 other Special Olympics athletes to complete an Ironman in 2023