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Chris Nikic to Receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2021 ESPYS

Chris Nikic proudly poses wearing three medals he won in swimming at a Special Olympics Florida competition.
Chris Nikic poses with medals he won in swimming at a Special Olympics Florida competition.

Chris Nikic, the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full IRONMAN triathlon, will receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at the 2021 ESPYS!

Chris is also nominated for the Best Athlete with a Disability (Men’s Sports) at the 2021 ESPYS.

The ESPY Awards recognize sports-related accomplishments on both an individual and team level. The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance is given to a person in the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination.

In November 2020, the Special Olympics Florida athlete and Champion Ambassador made history as he conquered a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 marathon run to complete the IRONMAN Florida triathlon in a total time of 16:46:09.

Chris is a recent high school graduate and motivational speaker who attributes his successes in sports and life to his 1% Better philosophy—focus on getting 1% Better each day and you can achieve your dreams.

ESPNis the Global Broadcast Partner of Special Olympics and the Global Presenting Sponsor of Special Olympics Unified Sports®.

UPDATE

On the day Special Olympics Founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver would have turned 100, Chris Nikic received two ESPY awards: The Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and the Best Athlete with a Disability (Men’s Sports) which is determined by public voting. Watch his acceptance speech here.

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