1 . For the first time ever, an athlete with Down Syndrome (唐氏综合征) crossed the finish line of an Ironman triathlon (铁人三项) and made history for his amazing accomplishment. Chris Nikic, 21, conquered a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride, and a 26.2-mile marathon run at the Ironman Florida competition on November 7, 2020.
But this was no easy task for the athlete from Maitland, Florida. During the Panama City Beach sporting event, Chris fell off his bike and was attacked by ants during a nutrition break but he kept going. He completed the triathlon in 16 hours, 36 minutes and 9 seconds. And his achievement earned him a place, in the Guinness World Records.
Chris is a highly motivated young man and knew he could do what he set his mind to achieve. He posted online: “Ironman. Goal set and achieved. Time to set a new and BIGGER goal for 2021.”
Training for the Ironman over the past year was a long process. Chris and. His father Nik Nikic developed the “I percent better challenge” to help keep Chris motivated and promote Down Syndrome awareness.
“To Chris, this race was more than just a finish line and celebration of victory,” Nik Nikic said. “Ironman has served as his platform to become one step closer to his goal of living a life of inclusion (包容) and leadership.”
Chris teamed with his partner and coach Dan Grieb for the Ironman competition. “I’m no longer surprised by what Chris can accomplish because I recognize who Chris is a human being who has goals and dreams just like everyone else,” his coach told the Special Olympics. “He wants to make the path easier for those just like him and can follow his lead.”
1. What happened to Chris during the Ironman triathlon?| A．His bike broke down. | B．He ran out of food. |
| C．He was attacked by insects. | D．He got lost. |
| A．To inspire Chris. | B．To raise money. |
| C．To appeal to caring. | D．To cure Down Syndrome. |
| A．Chris’ achievement. | B．Chris’ training process. |
| C．Celebration of Chris’ victory. | D．Ironman’s influence on Chris. |
| A．The coach thought highly of Chris. |
| B．The coach was amazed at the result. |
| C．Few athletes can match Chris in will. |
| D．Goals played a key role in Chris’ success. |
