Albanian-American athlete Chris Nikic is the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman triathlon, an achievement for which he will be honored this July 10 with the "Jimmy V Award".
"Jimmy V for Perseverance at ESPYS" is an award given to a person in the sports world who has overcome major obstacles through perseverance and determination.
In November 2020, Nikic, then 21, completed a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon at the Ironman Florida Race in Panama City Beach in 16 hours, 46 minutes and 9 seconds.
Throughout the training and the end of the race, Nikic inspired others to follow in his footsteps: spreading his message of being "1 percent better" every day, in every aspect of life.
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| Nikic spreading his message of being "1 percent better" every day |
Nikic is also a nominee in the category "Best Athlete with Disabilities, Men's Sports".
"Wow, what an honor to receive the Jimmy V Award and get involved with such an amazing group of people," Nikic said. "As an Ambassador of the Special Olympics, I represent millions of athletes around the world who can now believe that involvement is real for all of them. Thank you for me, but most importantly for the Down Syndrome community and my fellow Special Olympics athletes.”
In 2007, women college basketball coach Kay Yoë was the first recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. Past recipients include Eric LeGrand, Anthony Robles, George Karl, Dick and Rick Hoyt, Stuart Scott, Devon and Leah Still, Craig Sager, Jarrius Robertson, Jim Kelly, Rob Mendez and Taquarius Ëair.
The Jimmy V Award is named in honor of NC State men's basketball coach Jim Valvano, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 46 and died a year later.