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Chris Nikic becomes the 1st person with Down syndrome to compete during a full

21-year-old makes history as the first person with Down syndrome to complete Ironman triathlon

Chris Nikic, Special Olympics Florida athlete, becomes the 1st person with Down syndrome to compete during a full IRONMAN race on 7th November 2020, he’s taking the media by storm as a groundbreaking and high-performance athlete. Chris has also completed six sprint triathlons and one Olympic-distance race.

To watch Chris Nikic compete in a triathlon is a heartwarming and encouraging experience. He loves the swim and enjoys the final sprint to the finish line and into his parent’s arms. In a recent interview with Athletico, Chris shared some really interesting things about him like what inspired him to do a triathlon? How he plans to achieve his goals? and much more.

Ironman with Down Syndrome: Chris Nikic's special American

1. Tell us about yourself

I’m 21 years old, just graduated from HS, I like to do public speaking. I love to play and watch basketball and love eating out in restaurants like PF changes and Waffle house.

2. What inspired to do a triathlon?

My dream. My dad asked me what my dream was, so I wrote down: Make my own money so I can buy my own car, my own house and marry a smoking hot blonde from Minesota like my mom.

Meet Nickie-The Ironman

3. What is the most challenging and favorite sport in triathlon?

The hardest is the bike because it hurts my hands and butt when I ride for 8 hours. The best is the run because it is last, and all the ladies are waiting to give me hugs when I finish the race. 

4. How do you set goals and plan?

I have a giant whiteboard at my home where first I write down a BIG dream because that’s what gives me motivation. Then I write a BIG goal, like Ironman a year away. Next, I make a plan every week to get 1% better every day and lastly I write everything down and measure my progress.

Athlete with Down syndrome makes history in Ironman triathlon

5. Any message to all other people who are preparing or like to do an attempt for triathlon but lacking motivation?

1% Better every day. I did not have the motivation when I started. But I started doing 1 push up, 1 sit up and 1 squat. I did 1 lap in the pool,m 1 lap bike ride, and a short run. Then every 2-3 days I would do a little more. It doesn’t sound like much, but last week I did 200 push-ups, sit ups and squats, Also I did 100 miles of bike, 18 miles of run, and 5K swim. Motivation comes slowly as you get better slowly. I want to inspire other people with my story to BELIEVE that you can achieve more with a simple PLAN I follow to build a 1% Better HABIT.

21-year-old man made history as the first ever athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon
Chris is continuously working hard, exercising an average of 30+ hours a week while also juggling school, homework, and an increasing number of media requests. He is surely becoming an inspiration for many other people and we are desperately in need of people who will shake us out of stereotypes. Team Athletico wishes him good luck.

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fitness transformation journey

Get Inspired by transformation journey of Sonia tuteja taneja

We’ve all seen body transformation stories and amazing ‘before’ and ‘after’ pics on Instagram – when someone you follow is proudly sharing a stunning achievement. But, often, behind the wide smile, there’s an inspiring story still to be told about how they embarked on their journey to a healthier self.

Meet Sonia Tuteja Taneja, 35 year old teacher, cyclist and runner. Let’s find out more in detail about her significant journey.

1. When did your weight become an issue?
Before getting marriage I was 82 kg and somehow I got married. Then after the first delivery, my weight was like 102 kg and planning for second baby, it was like if I conceived my weight would be 120kg (OMG neend aane band ho gye thi). It was danger zone for me then I decided to do something for myself and I totally changed my lifestyle by starting gyming, running and balanced diet. With strong will power and self motivation, i reduced 22 kg in 5 months and conceived. Again after delivery I was 102 kg but now it was not that much challenging for me because this time I followed the same routine and reduced again 15 to 17 kg with in 5 months.

fitness motivation

2. What were your previous diet attempts?

Morning – Milk, Pluses & apple

Before lunch – Salad or fruits (alternate)

Lunch – Proper Indian food (2 roti + vegetables + lassi)

Dinner – one roti with daal

3. What makes this time different?
This time, i was relaxed and had enough time for workout and running too. Even had more time for rest and sleep and no junk from outside.

fitness motivation transformation

4. What was your light bulb moment that pushed you to lose weight?
At the time of planning for second baby, I was already 102 kg and imagining myself in 120 kg. It was dangerous for me. I used to visit hospital because of hyper acidity. At that moment, I realized that now I need to do something for my health.

5. How much did you lose so far? How long did it take?
In the first year, i lost 20 kg. From Second to fourth year, i worked on increasing the stamina and during this lockdown I reduced 10 kgs in total. So in 5 years, I lost 31 kg

Earlier my weight was 102 kg
Now its 71 kg

6. How much do you have to lose now?
To get normal weight I need to reduce 5 to 7 kg more.

fitness motivation transformation

7. What kept you motivated when you were down?
My self motivation and negative motivation from my close ones was like a great push to me. Also, positive motivation from the unknowns (via social media followers) who always appreciate me and my workout. This actually played great role to motivate me.

8. What is the biggest struggle: food, exercise, temptation?
I am hardworking. Never felt like I was struggling. This is now passion for me so it’s easy for me to control diet & do exercise now. Although, sometime I eat whatever I want without any regrets.

fitness journey

9 . How has your weight loss effected your relationships?
As I mentioned earlier I was facing problem before marriage because of my weight. I was fat and my husband used to say like –

“I am slim and you are fat, Merko tumse acche ladki mil sakte the Mere saath accha ni hua”

Now he feels like I am the best and feel proud too. Without him I am nothing, he is the biggest support to me.
Whatever am I doing today it’s all because of my husband, he is just like my backbone

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Latoya Shauntay Snell

Latoya Shauntay, A Plus Size Runner: A Definition Of Never Giving Up​

Featured Image Credit: W. Eric Snell

Latoya Shauntay Snell is a HOKA ONE ONE sponsored ultrarunner and founder of Running Fat Chef, a food and fitness blog that documents her experiences as a plus size marathoner, ultra-marathoner and obstacle course racer. She has been featured on multiple platforms such as Redbook magazine, BuzzFeed Health, Self Magazine and Women’s Running.

Ques.1 In a world where people body shame every person who doesn’t fall under the ‘Standard’ beauty category, how do u stay peaceful and focused every time some dumb person tries to demean you?

Answer 1. Through working alongside my husband Eric in photography, I realized that the ‘standard’ is established by small group of social influencers. At some point in history, particularly fashion, being today’s definition of plus size was desirable until someone else stepped in and changed the rules. We have to question ourselves on why we allow others to dictate how we look, feel, respond or live. I came to the realization years ago that I am a rebel against such standards. When you’re shamed Simply for being who you are and then judged when you conform, at which point do you find your true happiness? It took years of practice to speak to myself on a positive level. Nobody can take away my self worth if I don’t give them that power.

Latoya Shauntay
Image Credits: Cheer Everywhere, Inc

Ques. 2 We live in a world where people support strong women superficially and feel threatened by those women from inside, do you think people target you more because you are a strong woman who dared to fight against all odds to prove her strength or because you don’t fall under the regular norms of the athletic world?

Answer 2. I’m inclined to believe that it’s a mixture of both. Most times, when we are chastised for being who we are from others, it’s a reflection of that person’s insecurities. Unfortunately, we live in a time where people thrive off of appearances. Such platforms that I love like Instagram and Facebook can be destructive to our emotional well-being. In turn, when a person like choose to challenge those norms, especially in the world of athletics, it’s frowned upon. While a small audience May embrace it, a vast majority are not open to change. Examples of this is demonstrated throughout our daily lives, especially as a woman. Sure, improvements are being made but it wasn’t that long ago that women weren’t showed to vote. We were discouraged to go to work, be vocal or have equal rights. In turn, I’m never certain of a naysayers’ state of mind until they’re willing to engage me in open dialogue.

Ques 3. Any 5 tips you would like to give to new runners which you wish you had been aware of before starting the running regime?

Answer 3. Absolutely: 1. Learn how to breathe properly while running, especially as an endurance runner. 2. If you opt to participate in a race, learn how to create pseudo tunnel vision. New runners tend to look at everyone else on the pavement and start self doubting their abilities because there are people who run faster than you. When in doubt, think of the story about the tortoise and the hare. 3. Your nutrition is incredibly important. At one point, I learned a valuable lesson about what works with my stomach before hitting the trails or pavement. Some food will not sit well in my stomach. It can cause an upset stomach to triggering things such as runner’s trots. If you want to humor yourself, do a Google search about runners referring to runner’s diarrhea as the “gingerbread man.” 4. Wear reflective clothing: If you are running at odd hours of the day, reflective wear can save your life. 5. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with a certain pace, music may help. Fast music can subconsciously make you move faster while slower beats can help you slow down.

Image Credits : Black Men Run

Ques 4. With wide variety of sports around why did you choose running, what is that one thing you feel about running that completely separates it from rest of the sports?

Answer 4. I NEVER thought that I would stick to running. Initially, I took on running simply because of my long distance MySpace friend Rob signed up for a half marathon. When I started meeting others on the pavement, I felt like I made a new family through movement. What separates running above all sports is knowing that I am still granted this gift of mobility when I thought my sciatica and herniated disc would hinder me from walking or staying in the culinary field. Running is my Reality check that I’m still here. Some days are smooth sailing and others are exceptionally rough. If you talk to most runners, they tend to have the same testament.

Whether you're running your first mile on the pavement or a full time adventurer, the strongest muscles you will ever exercise are your brain and heart. Sometimes we focus heavily on pace, what our bodies look like to others and worrying about our limits. Instead, remember to always take a breath and thank it for what you can do before and after your workouts.

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