If you’ve met someone with this syndrome, chances are they’ve made you smile because they’re… well, adorable. But one of the biggest problems with people with Down syndrome are stigmas and prejudices, which are often not accepted in society.
“The World Day of People with Down’s Syndrome was established in 2006, and March 21 was symbolically chosen for that day because the disease is based on the presence of 3 chromosomes instead of 2 chromosomes, on 21 chromosome pairs.”
Who is Chris Nikic?
Chris Nikic is a 22-year-old American, of Montenegrin origin, who lives in Florida and who a few years ago became the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman!
How Down syndrome affected Chris
Chris was born with two holes in his heart and had surgery before he was 5 months old. With all that comes with Down syndrome, Chris was sick more often than he was healthy.
Of course, that didn’t stop him because he had the huge support of his dad – Nick. In 2017, he discovered a special triathlon training program for people with special needs – an ideal activity for both.
When he started, Chris could barely swim, run, and paddle. Nevertheless, he trained and finished the first race. They didn’t stop there. His father recommended that they prepare for the Ironman, saying that the Ironman is a slightly longer sprint race.
Children and adults with Down syndrome have impaired cognitive abilities.
With a desire to take Chris’ training to the next level, Nick found a coach and Ironman veteran – Dan Grieb.
