MAITLAND, Fla. – Chris Nikic, 21, is inspiring others to try 1% more each day. “It represents me better than I was yesterday,” Chris Nikic said about what that 1% he had printed on his orange T-shirt means to him. Chris Nikic, 21, is the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon in under 17 hours. Once Chris Nikic was back on his bike, he was descending a hill at more than 20 mph. As for those who didn’t believe Chris Nikic could conquer a goal, his dad said they need to be more positive.