Chris Nikic has been selected as the recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance, an award given to individuals in the sports community for their determination to overcome obstacles. Nikic will be honored with the award during The 2021 ESPYS.
Photo Courtesy of Nik Nikic
What’s Happening:
- ESPN has announced that Triathlete Chris Nikic will be honored with the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance at The 2021 ESPYS.
- This Jimmy V Award is given to a deserving member of the sporting world who has overcome great obstacles through perseverance and determination.
- In November of 2020, he became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon. Throughout training and competition Nikic inspired others, encouraging them to be “1 percent better” every day, in every aspect of life.
- In addition to being honored with the Jimmy V Award, Nikic is a nominee in the “Best Athlete with a Disability, Men’s Sports” category.
- The 2021 ESPYS will air July 10th at 8 pm ET on ABC.
Chris Nikic’s Triathlon Stats:
- At 21-years of age Nikic participated in the Ironman Florida competition in Panama City Beach. He, along with other competitors needed to complete:
- 2.4-mile swim
- 112-mile bike ride
- 26.2-mile marathon run at the
- Nikic’s finished the competition in 16 hours, 46 minutes and 9 seconds —14 minutes under the 17-hour cutoff time.
What They’re Saying:
- Chris Nikic: “Wow, what an honor to receive the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and to be included with such an amazing group of people. As a Special Olympics ambassador, I represent millions of athletes around the world who can now believe that inclusion is real for all of them. Thank you for me, but more importantly for the Down syndrome community and my fellow Special Olympics athletes.”
- Rob King, Senior Vice President and Editor-At-Large ESPN Content: “Chris’s unique, inspirational story personifies the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance. We are honored to present him with this award and look forward to seeing what he accomplishes next.”
About the Jimmy V Award:
- The ESPYS help to raise awareness and funds for the V Foundation for Cancer Research, the charity founded by ESPN and the late basketball coach Jim Valvano at the first ESPYS back in 1993.
- In 2007, Women’s College basketball coach Kay Yow became the very first recipient of the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance.
- Past recipients include:
- Eric LeGrand
- Anthony Robles
- George Karl
- Dick and Rick Hoyt
- Stuart Scott
- Devon and Leah Still
- Craig Sager
- Jarrius Robertson
- Jim Kelly
- Rob Mendez
- Taquarius Wair
Anthony Mackie will host The 2021 ESPYS which airs July 10th at 8 pm ET on ABC.