Chris Nikic, who competes in the Special Olympics, is training to become the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon competition.
Chris Nikic is 20 years old and says he loves the spotlight that accompanies success in competition. That's not because he likes the feeling of adoration. In a world where his condition could spur social isolation and strange looks from outsiders, he sees it as an opportunity to connect with others.
In Chris' world, he's already dealt with plenty of adversity. He had open-heart surgery when he was 5 months old and needed a walker when he was 3. Nikic, a Maitland, Florida resident, had been training four hours a day for six days a week to get ready for his first Half Ironman competition in Panama City Beach in May, which was postponed. He is now preparing for the full Ironman in November in Panama City Beach. But the coronavirus pandemic has postponed or canceled competitions, and Nikic's workout regimen has been more challenging with swims at the lake instead of the pool and most workouts outside the closed local gym.
Chris has been competing in Special Olympics since he was 9. But his father said it wasn't until two years ago that he started seeing his son in a different light. "His father freed me up from any concern," Grieb recalled."He said, 'How do you learn all your life lessons?' I said from failure. He said to me, 'Would you give the same opportunity?' ... It's going through the fire where he'll learn to get better."
Deutschland Neuesten Nachrichten, Deutschland Schlagzeilen
Similar News:Sie können auch ähnliche Nachrichten wie diese lesen, die wir aus anderen Nachrichtenquellen gesammelt haben.
Report: Theater Producers and Concert Promoters Call it Quits on 2020“I am 100 percent confident that it is not happening,” one executive says about fall programming.
Weiterlesen »
Thoughts that the young are not much affected by SARS-CoV-2 look wrongIn Britain, eight Kawasaki-disease patients tested negative for the virus, but positive for antibodies related to it
Weiterlesen »
This Mobility Workout Is So Easy, You Can Do It At Home in Your SocksThis 15-minute workout can help restore your range of motion, relieve stress and tension, and improve your flexibility so you can stay off the injured list.
Weiterlesen »
A Kentucky school surprised a little girl by including a photo of her service dog in the yearbookAn elementary school in Kentucky saved a special spot in its yearbook for one very good girl -- Ariel, a service dog.
Weiterlesen »
New Guidelines for Starting an ADHD Medication While in QuarantineThe European ADHD Guidelines Group (EAGG) recommends that patients who didn\u2019t have an in-person assessment before stay-at-home orders began should delay starting a new medication if they have a history of shortness of breath or a family member who died due to cardiac disease. Patients should also undergo baseline monitoring \u2014 having their blood pressure and heart rate taken \u2014 before beginning medication.
Weiterlesen »