I had the honor of meeting Chris Nikic on June 28, 2020 via a video conference where we had an amazing conversation about his awe-inspiring journey to become an Ironman and the first person with Down Syndrome to do so. When I asked him why he was doing an Ironman, he replied, “I have a big dream, and big dreams need big goals. The Ironman means I can do anything. I can achieve my dreams, I can be an example to others like me so they can achieve their dreams." This incredibly compassionate statement made me instantly adore Chris, along with a deep respect for his father’s dedication to not only supporting his son's dream, but ensuring he is equipped to achieve it.

Chris is an expert at visualization. He has shared his dream, defined the goals, and created a plan. It is really quite simple, though we all know the race itself won’t be easy. Think about how simple this is:

Dream -> Goal -> Plan -> Work hard -> Get 1% better every day.

Literally everything about Chris' journey is visualized. After reverse engineering a timeline 20 weeks from the date of the race, Chris and his team of coaches mapped out his daily routine. Every day, he wrote down what he did, what he achieved, and what he has planned tomorrow. For those who don't know, the Ironman consists of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bicycle ride and a marathon 26.22-mile (42.20 km) run, raced in that order. At most, only 0.01% (1 in 10,000) of the population has completed an Ironman.

Chris’ story about his support network is equally as inspiring. Some of his first coaches could not keep up with him anymore, so as he got too fast, he hired new coaches. Among the list are Dan, a fellow Ironman, Hector, who supports his plan and strength training, Jen & Gwen who focus on cycling, Andy who manages his swim lessons, Butch, who focuses on stretching, and those who support his nutrition, recovery, hydration, and sleep. I shared with Chris that he is the first person I have met who has more coaches than I do, as I also recognize how important a strong support network is when I am working toward a big dream.

Having done a few sprint and mini triathlons myself, I was curious about which event was Chris’ favorite. He promptly replied running - and here is why: “Because the ladies always come up to hug me…hug, hug, hug, hug, hug, hug…” I am so with Chris on this. What is better than a supportive hug in the middle of a big challenge?

One of the most amazing things about Chris that I admire, aside from the obvious, is that he is not doing this for himself; he is doing this for others. Along the way, he and his father have created a curriculum and program so those who see what he achieves can believe in themselves and follow his proven path. He has another goal to build a university and teach people through a defined curriculum and easy to follow program with Chris as the example, showing people they can go after big dreams and achieve them.

Nik Nikic, Chris’ father designed the 1% concept in business and has brilliantly applied it to the Ironman training program to drive change and progress. Nick told me in this interview, “We are writing down everything we learn. We are documenting the 1% journey to Ironman.“ Nick and Chris have found an author who also wrote Devoted, the story about the legendary Team Hoyt, a father-son team who has also inspired the world through completing over 1,000 races with Rick being pushed in his wheelchair. The Ironman will be the final chapter for Chris’ first book. The first chapter will document where he overcame huge barriers and obstacles such as limited educational options, major surgeries over time, and coming back to fitness from being overweight and out of shape.

When I asked what he is most grateful for, he said, "I am thankful for you..." as a fan who can help him find his future blonde bride, since I don't qualify as a brunette. This gave us a good chuckle, but I am confident Chris will have millions of fans around the world who will be supporting all of his future dreams. Chris' gratitude for the present moment is something I personally admire. When he said this to me, I recognized just how much he truly gets it. His focus on the now paired with the hard work he puts in every single day toward his big dreams is what carried him through to achieve something nobody else has. On November 7, 2020, Chris Nikic crossed the finish line at the 2020 Visit Panama City Beach Ironman Florida in 16:46:09, making history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full-distance Ironman triathlon. I am humbled to know him and proud of him beyond words. Our collective at Five to Flow is Team 1% all the way! Congratulations, Chris!