IRONMAN

Athletes with autism beat low expectations—and sports records, too!

More than a Special Olympics Florida athlete and Ambassador, more than the first person with Down syndrome to become an IRONMAN and landing in the Guinness World Records, more than finishing the New York and Boston Marathons, and more than winning ESPY and Laureus Awards.

José "Joseíto" Rivera made history in March 2023 when he became the first Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete to complete an IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon.

Earlier this morning in Hawaii, Chris completed his second IRONMAN competition and beat his previous record with a time of 16 hours and 31 minutes.

Special Olympics Puerto Rico athlete David “El Delfin Boricua” Torres Rivera became the first person with Down syndrome to participate in the IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Rico.

The following is an excerpt by Style of Sport from the article titled The IRONMAN:

In a new documentary, Chris Nikic takes you behind the scenes to see how he balances training, community and his personal life.

The following is an excerpt from the article, First Person with Down’s Syndrome to finish an Ironman: Chris Nikic’s Story, published by guinessworldrecords.com.

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 Nikic has been nominated for an ESPY for Best Athlete With A Disability, Men's Sports.