Dreaming Big Got This Triathlete Across the Finish Line On November 7, 2020, Chris Nikic ran straight into the history books as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. This is what the experience taught him. April 26, 2021 April 26, 2021 Say this for Chris Nikic: The man does not give up. At mile 40 of the biking portion of his Florida Ironman race last winter, Nikic got attacked by fire ants, setting off severe swelling and a burning sensation that spread up his leg. Ten miles later, the 21-year-old from Maitland, FL, crashed his bike, resulting in bleeding and pain that might have sent another mortal packing for home.