17 Hours: Chris Nikic’s Ironman Story

17 Hours: Chris Nikic’s Ironman Story | SC Featured

Рет қаралды 461,454

3 жыл бұрын

Behind the mantra of getting “1% better every day,” 21-year-old Chris Nikic races to become the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon.
#ESPN #SCFeatured
✔️Subscribe to ESPN+ espnplus.com/youtube
✔️ Get the ESPN App: www.espn.com/espn/apps/espn
✔️Subscribe to ESPN on KZfaq: es.pn/SUBSCRIBEtoKZfaq
✔️ Subscribe to NBA on ESPN on KZfaq: bit.ly/SUBSCRIBEtoNBAonESPN
✔️ Watch ESPN on KZfaq TV: es.pn/KZfaqTV
ESPN on Social Media:
► Follow on Twitter: / espn
► Like on Facebook: / espn
► Follow on Instagram: / espn
Visit ESPN on KZfaq to get up-to-the-minute sports news coverage, scores, highlights and commentary for NFL, NHL, MLB, NBA, College Football, NCAA Basketball, soccer and more.
More on ESPN.com: www.espn.com

Пікірлер: 544

@HaHaBear 3 жыл бұрын

5:11: "and then to marry a smokin' hot blonde from Chicago" Priorities 🔥🔥🔥

@brandonrodriguez3986 3 жыл бұрын

Legend

@joew.6836 3 жыл бұрын

😄😄😅

@chok3061 3 жыл бұрын

Wait a min. Why is shaky aim osu boy here lmao.

@Bhuyakasha 3 жыл бұрын

"...like my mother"

@Bhuyakasha 3 жыл бұрын

@Arid Sohan I did not make that up, it says that on the whiteboard :D

@comptonazzrockett3032 3 жыл бұрын

You'll definitely find that Hot Blonde Chris, great job brotha

@himothy0325 3 жыл бұрын

🤣🤣🤣🤣

@frenzyy34 2 жыл бұрын

he’s not a special needs kid who also likes to run, he’s a athlete who also happens to have down syndrome. this kids so inspirational , a lot of people could learn from him. hope he’s happy and doing well now

@-clipz- Жыл бұрын

Prayers turn to God may everyone everywhere be blessed and healed and protected in Jesus name amen.

@suckurmum6566 10 ай бұрын

His syndrome may be down but his swag is up

@JammastaJ23 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone who finishes a full Ironman is a beast. To do it with any kind of disability is legendary.

@-clipz- Жыл бұрын

Prayers turn to God may everyone everywhere be blessed and healed and protected in Jesus name amen.

@Cramer123 3 жыл бұрын

Shoutout to Chris’s coach, Grieb. That moment where he tells Chris’s to run ten cones and then walk two, is one of the most brilliant coaching techniques I’ve seen. That guy ran his 21-24 miles faster than 9-10.... that is freaking amazing and unheard of, except for like a pro. Chris, you DID prove everyone wrong. What a badass

@sandrost4243 3 жыл бұрын

Coach crushed it at the prefect time. Awesome to see this, Chris is a monster. Outstanding.

@-clipz- Жыл бұрын

Prayers turn to God may everyone everywhere be blessed and healed and protected in Jesus name amen.

@ShaG35 3 жыл бұрын

Anyone else crying or is it just me🥲💙😢I feel so happy for him💯

@jasonknauss693 3 жыл бұрын

bawling

@petroskefallinos8735 3 жыл бұрын

I cried like a baby when I saw him crossing the finish line!

@sylviewheeler6237 3 жыл бұрын

Yep !!!! Crying maxi !

@bachucchien9496 3 жыл бұрын

You are not alone bro, Ian crying like a baby when i saw him got a bike crash

@livelyupmyself1 3 жыл бұрын

My sleeves are wet

@maxlandowski9386 3 жыл бұрын

"That's fake pain!" "It's real!!" Haha loved that part, what an inspirational dude

@m1k368 3 жыл бұрын

Poor guy!! 😭😭

@nickwudgy1 3 жыл бұрын

I couldn’t stop laughing man, this guy is a champ

@tia-clairtoomeyshaneorr5705 3 жыл бұрын

LOVE THIS ESPN! Thank you for sharing this. Well done Chris!!!

@TruckerJacket 2 жыл бұрын

Spot on. A warrior

@noname-bt9ky 2 жыл бұрын

Tf is ESPN?

@aidenloucks9840 2 жыл бұрын

I have the same birthday as you

@jmensah07 2 жыл бұрын

This made me cry . . . I am so proud of him

@karlljungquist7388 2 жыл бұрын

“I need you” I love the honesty between son and father here. And the support from the dad Is amazing

@toddgarnett5044 3 жыл бұрын

Chris is a true Champion 🏆🏆🏆🏆

@13ceb 3 жыл бұрын

This man is made of iron. I'd never deny this man a big hug. Great job to all involved.

@nevaehschattenfluegel9652 3 жыл бұрын

"It's just a little longer than a sprint." "Okay Dad. Let's do this" Love this. Not making a huge deal out of it from the dad and the trust from Chris that his Dad knows what he is capable of and trusting his judgement.

@Athreehourtour 2 жыл бұрын

having a young son with Downs, this inspires me,,,, absolutely beautiful... and yes i am crying.

@tombystander 3 жыл бұрын

Chris, his father, and his team that helped him complete this are true inspirations to everyone in the world! Love this story

@-clipz- Жыл бұрын

Prayers turn to God may everyone everywhere be blessed and healed and protected in Jesus name amen.

@HoustonBombero 3 жыл бұрын

Best dad ever. Good job Chris 👏🏼

@pb9240 3 жыл бұрын

This is the most motivating story I have seen in a long time!

@scottwall8419 3 жыл бұрын

Shut up, I'm not crying, your crying

@lawman7117 3 жыл бұрын

Chris Nikic is one of the most inspirational athletes you will ever meet! I tracked him for the Ironman back in October and it was so dramatic staying up to almost midnight and it was so close. I cried when he officially finished!

@Jesse-bb4qj 3 жыл бұрын

Wow, Chris is incredibly lucky to have a dad like that.

@christyonsurez9146 3 жыл бұрын

I cried the entire time watching this! Chris, congratulations! You are so amazing with a special gift! Thank you for your inspiration and giving me high hopes that my son (who is almost 1 yr with DS) can do anything he sets his dreams to! I know some day you will be an idol to him as you are to me! 🙏 Happy WDSD 💙💛

@eoincasey5461 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 9 year old boy with DS, I also cried the whole way through this.

@Wayo595 3 жыл бұрын

Who’s cutting onions in here? 😢

@JP-oe4ry 3 жыл бұрын

I tried wiping the blade with water and keeping the top and tail part like the pro's reccomend, no difference bro!

@theriskinator5736 3 жыл бұрын

I kept trying to avoid the onions and look at the carrots but it no work

@Rob.Flynn81 3 жыл бұрын

Love to watch this. My brother has Down syndrome and stories like these always grab my attention. People with DS are some of the most pure hearted individuals and their joy and energy are infectious. Having a solid family and friends surrounding them is key to their success. God bless all of them and their families. Good job, Chris. You're loved by so many people from around the world. Never stop!

@brettsaunders7707 3 жыл бұрын

A legend among legends. Should’ve been SI inspiration of the year!

@eldente 3 жыл бұрын

I screamed of laughter when he replied to the blisters being fake pain....."it's real" ahahaha

@NikeMS11 3 жыл бұрын

Holding back tears on this one. Amazing athlete, person, ....and now an IRONMAN! And how about his family and team...wow, well done you guys!

@smb06 3 жыл бұрын

Was such a great story. I got to meet Chris on some of the final practice swims leading up to the race. He got out of the water and just wanted to hug everyone. Was inspiring to see him on the course, I was nearing the end of my run leg when I saw him coming out onto the run - gave me that much more motivation to finish strong.

@99aslan 3 жыл бұрын

ESPN, thank you for sharing this story. Thank you to the family for opening their world to us.

@juicybooyahs9142 3 жыл бұрын

I have been disabled my whole life and have occasionally been put down. This made me cry. Well done Chris!

@lhza8570 2 жыл бұрын

U can do anything u set ur mind to mannn👍Keep going.

@surajkondvilkar9155 3 жыл бұрын

I can't bike or swim and I am privileged This video is a million times more inspirational and makes me so happy.

@AsherBrandt 3 жыл бұрын

Definitely a good example of if those around you support the heck out of you adversity can be overcome. Seems like Chris has a great nurturing environment. Shoutout to his support team.

@xxxtremeATCxxx 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible, its easy to make excuses but this man looked adversity in the eye and ploughed straight through it. Truly inspiring, Chris.

@jamesoconnor9452 3 жыл бұрын

Ran my first official marathon this week and I can testify blisters are indeed very real pain. And that’s without a 112-mile bike or 2.4-mile swim. This is an amazing accomplishment.

@lyler.1082 3 жыл бұрын

This needs 10x more views. He's such an inspiration...

@andyf.4168 3 жыл бұрын

People’s like Chris can change the world. They show us that anything is possible. Congratulations and big respect Champ Chris🤙

@QM42069 3 жыл бұрын

The 10 dislikes are from the waves that tried to slow him down

@pomegranatepip2482 3 жыл бұрын

One thing I have learnt in life is that no matter where you go, you will always always always get pricks.

@tarjar1553 2 жыл бұрын

@@pomegranatepip2482 that reminds me of the time I was playing battlefield and someone blocked me cause I wanted to talk lmao

@wesleypowell4775 3 жыл бұрын

This is such an inspirational story that should give hope to many people. The fact that people hit the dislike button on a story like this goes to show you how miserable people's lives are.

@smileyhappyradio 2 жыл бұрын

Chris is amazing, and is so inspiring. I never ran an ironman. I can't even run more than a mile without a break. His family obviously went above and beyond pushing for him, God bless them!

@crabbypadty393 3 жыл бұрын

I think Nik is the real hero of this story. A dads love and dedication to giving his sin the best life possible.

@billr5842 2 жыл бұрын

Lets not forget the coaches too. Many people came together for this to come to fruition!

@nando88greenigurl 6 ай бұрын

This video is so awesome that we use it during training for our newest operating room nurses.

@VendErre 4 ай бұрын

ANTS CANT STOP THIS MAN. A SWARM OF ANTS. What a complete and total badass. And big props to his trainers, wow. What a heart warming story.

@jurajtoth9380 3 жыл бұрын

big warrior, I support him very much

@bhayanumber1 2 жыл бұрын

Chris, you are an absolute legend and truly an inspiration to millions of people across the globe!

@fastsignsaustin-burnetrd3067 3 жыл бұрын

Go Chris Go !!!!!!! He has an indomitable spirit he will always succeed, What an inspiration ❤️

@notmyproblembud7659 3 жыл бұрын

What an amazing guy bro this is so inspirational. Not to mention his dad and family being so supportive and pushing him. This whole story and everyone involved from Chris, to the family, to the coach are just absolutely awesome.

@dannyluu7596 3 жыл бұрын

Give me 30 hours and I still won't be able to complete it; let alone 17 hours. What a champ. I've been looking into participating Ironman and this might be the motivation and inspiration to move forward with it.

@taeekim 3 жыл бұрын

What an inspiration this young man is. We can all learn so many lessons from him.

@vvverona 3 ай бұрын

He visited my school today, and I'm so excited to see him. Chris is real man!!!!

@taylorbranson7790 3 жыл бұрын

Love this. Never underestimate people with this condition.

@marvinpuijk 3 жыл бұрын

Full Ironman is no joke. So much respect for this legend!

@sjgaming172 3 жыл бұрын

I had tears in my eyes! Biggest hug from the UK. What a inspiration Chris is!

@yodocOne22 Жыл бұрын

That’s the Libra ♎️ in you Chris!! Fearless / Relentless we Libras will always outwork everyone else once they doubt us!!! This Video here should be a daily reminder to a lot of us that anything is possible and put your mind body and soul in it 🙌🏼💯🙏🏼

@julianIIII 3 жыл бұрын

Nice Person, Nice Father, Nice Mother, Nice Trainer. Keep going buddy. From Germany

@Killa_Zman20 2 жыл бұрын

that part at the end where he says that he'll prove them wrong made me tear up, so beautiful.

@Deetroiter 2 жыл бұрын

What an absolute beast! Well done, Chris! And well done to his coach! This story really reminds me of the Hoyts and that nothing is impossible, don’t let anyone stand in your way! There’s no such thing as handicapped, only handicapable!

@simonchandler9901 2 жыл бұрын

Sir you have truly are a wonderful person, and a great athlete thank you so much

@matthewkubler05 3 жыл бұрын

This is amazing, we need more stories like this because it is so hard for people that suffer from uncontrolable things. Congrats to him and thank you ESPN for this.

@jaybardon1549 3 жыл бұрын

Quite simply the best video I have seen on youtube. What an inspiration, everyone from Chris, his family his coach and his supporters. You Chris are the true meaning of the word Ironman!

@joshchavers7053 3 жыл бұрын

There’s blisters ! Those are fake pain! It’s real pain! 🤣 I heard that. 😊

@amirob1 3 жыл бұрын

to have a coach and father like his.. wow this is the most heartwarming and motivational story

@222Racing 3 жыл бұрын

This was so heart warming. Thank you Chris and well done! What an Ironman

@jamesd5241 3 жыл бұрын

That dad is something special too!

@piyushjaain8340 3 жыл бұрын

Woah this is crazy!!! I was crying really. Grit of father, son , coach and TURN OF DESTINY. Fabulous story and inspiring

@dernoctum 3 жыл бұрын

Tears in my eyes... such in inspiration ... Thank you Chris. Best regards from germany.

@manuelcampos6046 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing this. One of my dreams has always been to run an Ironman and have my dad there when I crossed the finish line. Sadly he died of cancer last august a week after his bday. I still hope to run one someday in his honor. Way to go buddy this was inspiring

@sandraatkins1613 Жыл бұрын

So sorry for your loss… He’ll be there with you in spirit every step of the way. 🙏🏻❤️

@bookerjam 3 жыл бұрын

Favourite video of the year. The mental and physical preparation needed, and then fire ants thrown into the equation. An absolute inspiration.

@anthonydsouza4011 3 жыл бұрын

Love you Chris,your parents and the coach...So proud of you.

@gelawilliams8550 3 жыл бұрын

I am so inspired by this young man!! I love his story! Congratulations Chris!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾. You're amazing!!!

@chriscopeland7749 3 жыл бұрын

SOOOO Awesome Chris. We are proud of you man. You have been blessed with a great family and great attitude

@patrickv8579 3 жыл бұрын

I loved this story! Chris is my hero! Thank you ESPN!

@bigbuddha83 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Chris! One of the most motivating stories I've ever heard.

@annoraedits 3 жыл бұрын

I cried like 6 times watching this, absolutely inspirational, wow. You go Chris!

@t-bonear2539 3 жыл бұрын

I love love this story. It is absolutely AMAZING! He is an inspiration and an example to all of us, to everyone. Go Chris! Keep up the amazing work! You are truly awesome!

@ernesto3317 2 жыл бұрын

I recently started running and watching Chris achieve his dream is so motivational!

@sin1061 3 жыл бұрын

I cried! Chris, you are such an inspiration!

@catlady520 Жыл бұрын

Hugs from Arizona Chris, so happy for you.

@rasmakonnen8491 3 жыл бұрын

LOVE THIS GUY !!!

@JobReadyEnglish 2 жыл бұрын

Wow. Tears were shed. My hero

@6868818 2 жыл бұрын

This family is my hero. Life is so good!!!!!

@bergmoench Жыл бұрын

Congratulations Chris, I'm so proud you finished Hawaii Ironman! =)

@kimberleegardner3580 3 жыл бұрын

Chris is an incredible young man, I’m proud to know him and proud to share the finisher board (haha) with him! I will be in Kona cheering him on!

@ryankidman9271 2 жыл бұрын

Great job, Chris! You're an inspiration and really showed that anything you set your mind to is achievable. No matter who you are!

@andsomeshit 2 жыл бұрын

what a legend. what an inspiration.

@viniciuscalvet545 3 жыл бұрын

a lot of tears here. Amazing, just amazing!

@melissamissingchriscornell2513 11 ай бұрын

Im lost for words, & crying my eyes out, just WOW! You are a inspiration Chris, & what a dad you have✌️💖🤗

@dansmith6990 3 жыл бұрын

wow I didn't think I'd cry, but I am. Very inspirational person and the coach is one that all kids wish they had

@zac1672 3 жыл бұрын

Incredible. Chris you deserve this bro💪💪

@hugokillian-dawson591 2 жыл бұрын

mad respect for him. absolutely insane effort!!!!

@codymurphy287 2 жыл бұрын

This kid is a hero truly amazing you go kid

@istoleyourbed8373 3 жыл бұрын

What an inspiration he is. Showing that those with disabilities can do anything

@georgewilley9609 3 жыл бұрын

OMG I freaking love this dude. What an uplifting story!!!!

@turkeysandwich001 3 жыл бұрын

Well, I am speechless!! This is glorious.

@theduke6430 3 жыл бұрын

This guy is inspiring.

@billr5842 2 жыл бұрын

Major props to the coaches too! Not many people would dedicate that much time to another person

@chewba2008 2 жыл бұрын

Great family! Keep doing your thing kid, you're awesome!

@stormhargreaves6843 3 жыл бұрын

I did not expect to cry watching this 😂! So amazing!!

@mvttblvc 3 жыл бұрын

This is beyond inspirational. Good job, thank you for inspiring other people with disabilities.

@GHExploration 3 жыл бұрын

What a brilliant young and brave man, Father & family & coach too, well done all of you 👍👏

@ajack7122 3 жыл бұрын

I am going to run 5 miles tonight for this young man and his family. Blessings.

@martindepenau5557 3 жыл бұрын

Wauw! Inspiring! Not just for other kids or people with down syndrom, but also for the ones who wants to accomplish something they dont think is possible! Well done Chris! What a story!