Earlier this year we reported that Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to finish a full-distance race, would be honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perserverance at the ESPY awards.
“The award is given to a person in the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination,” ESPN said in a press release announcing the award. “Throughout his training and completion of the race, Nikic inspired others to follow in his footsteps: spreading his message to be “1 percent better” every single day, in every aspect of life.”
When he finished Ironman Florida last year, Nikic inspired so many around the world. Ironman invited him to compete at this year’s Ironman World Championship in October. As he references in his speech, his journey to becoming a full-distance finisher began three years ago when he was inspired by his father to become “1% better every day.” He started with just one push up.
Click on the video below to be both entertained and inspired:
