#Chris nikic

[tripeakathlete]

Kickstart Your Training with a New Run Block Series - Nov 11 - 17, 2024

Hello Team, As we approach the end of the racing season, it’s time to shift gears and focus on our training schedule. Starting next week, we’re introducing a Block Series, beginning with a Run Block lasting four weeks. This series will emphasize running, complemented by conditioning sessions to enhance your strength and endurance on the run. Please mark your calendars for December 15 at 5:30 PM…

[tistje]

Why Success Stories Are Problematic and their impact on neurodivergent lives

Success stories are widely celebrated in our society. Figures like Temple Grandin, a remarkable autistic woman who revolutionized livestock farming and became a strong advocate for autism awareness, are often highlighted. Her accomplishments are indeed impressive, but the focus on such stories brings up questions about the message it sends to other neurodivergent people. These stories frequently emphasize exceptional achievements, but what about those neurodivergent individuals who may never reach those heights?

While success stories are inspiring, they can be problematic for neurodivergent individuals. Sometimes they set unrealistic standards, and sometimes they reinforce damaging stereotypes. Let’s explore these issues in detail and look at some alternative perspectives that offer a more balanced view of daily life and the wide range of experiences within the neurodivergent community.

A Narrow Focus on Exceptional Cases: Elon Musk’s Example

When public figures like Elon Musk, who has suggested he might be on the autism spectrum, appear in the media, the emphasis is usually on his high-level achievements, such as being the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX. However, these stories often skip over other aspects of his personality that make him more eccentric than what many might consider typical of autistic traits. More importantly, the underlying message often seems to be that neurodivergent people are only valuable or successful if they perform at a level similar to, or even beyond, that of neurotypical people. This sends a narrow message about what success looks like and what neurodiversity acceptance should mean.

The focus on figures like Musk ignores the diversity within the neurodivergent community and can lead some individuals to feel inadequate if they don’t meet such lofty standards. Neurodiversity celebrates different ways of thinking, feeling, and functioning. This diversity is often overshadowed by stories that glorify extraordinary accomplishments rather than daily realities.

Pressure to Succeed: Anna’s Experience

Consider Anna, an autistic woman working as an administrative assistant. She performs her job well, but frequently deals with fatigue and stress due to sensory overload. She functions within her capacities, but when she hears about neurodivergent individuals becoming CEOs or winning prestigious awards, she wonders why she hasn’t accomplished the same things. This adds pressure to her life, making her feel as though she constantly needs to prove herself by achieving something “big.”

The pressure to emulate success stories can lead individuals like Anna to experience burnout or feelings of inadequacy. It’s important to recognize that not everyone can, or needs to, perform at such a high level. Success looks different for everyone, and it’s essential to embrace and honor individual accomplishments and progress rather than holding everyone to the same standard.

The ‘Supercrip’ Narrative: Chris Nikic’s Ironman Achievement

Chris Nikic, a young man with Down syndrome, made headlines by becoming the first person with this diagnosis to complete an Ironman triathlon. While his achievement is undeniably impressive, it also highlights the ‘supercrip’ narrative—a stereotype suggesting that neurodivergent or disabled individuals are only admirable when they achieve extraordinary things, like completing a triathlon. This narrative implies that neurodivergent individuals must somehow “overcome” their limitations to be valued. Such expectations can create a damaging standard.

Though Chris’s story is inspiring, it draws attention to accomplishments rather than the acceptance of diverse ways of being. Many people with Down syndrome or autism will never compete in a triathlon, and their worth should not be based on such benchmarks. The supercrip narrative reinforces an unrealistic and potentially harmful view that one must “overcome” to be valued.

Finding Success in Everyday Life: Lisa’s Story

Lisa, a woman with ADHD, loves her job as a librarian. She finds organizing her thoughts challenging, and her hyperactivity can make it hard to focus at times, but she’s channeled her energy into helping library patrons creatively. For Lisa, success doesn’t mean running a billion-dollar company; it’s about finding joy and satisfaction in her daily work.

Lisa’s story shows that success can be found in everyday moments. Sharing stories like Lisa’s helps illustrate that living a full and satisfying life doesn’t require meeting the exceptional standards implied by many success stories. It’s essential to honor the everyday achievements of neurodivergent people, which are valuable in their own way.

Embracing Diverse Experiences: Ahmed’s Role in the Community

Ahmed, a man with autism, works part-time at a local bakery. His quiet nature and attention to detail make him a dependable employee, but he occasionally finds social interactions challenging. Though he’s not celebrated in the media for extraordinary achievements, Ahmed contributes to his community by baking bread and serving customers with kindness.

Ahmed’s story highlights the range of experiences within the neurodivergent community. His value doesn’t come from grand accomplishments, but from the consistent, caring way he does his job and builds a stable life that works for him. Stories like Ahmed’s are vital for portraying a more realistic and inclusive view of neurodiversity.

Recognizing Ordinary Lives: Eva’s Everyday Contributions

Eva, a woman with a learning disability, has never been in the spotlight. She cares for her children, volunteers at their school, and helps in her community. Though her story might not be considered “successful” in the traditional sense, it emphasizes the importance of normalizing neurodiversity rather than focusing on exceptional achievements.

Eva’s life shows that neurodivergent individuals, like everyone else, deserve respect and recognition for who they are, not just for what they achieve. It’s about creating a space where they can contribute to society in their unique way, without feeling pressured to meet unrealistic standards.

Rethinking Success Stories: Why We Should Emphasize Diversity

While success stories can be motivating, they often unintentionally support harmful stereotypes and unrealistic expectations. By emphasizing exceptional accomplishments, we risk overlooking the daily realities and varied experiences of neurodivergent people. This can lead to feelings of stress and inadequacy among those who feel they don’t measure up to such standards.

We can create a more inclusive and realistic perspective on neurodiversity by focusing on everyday lives and the diversity of experiences within the neurodivergent community. Stories like Lisa’s, Ahmed’s, and Eva’s show the beauty in ordinary, meaningful lives. By sharing these kinds of stories, we promote a society that respects different ways of being and recognizes success in all its forms.

[madstars-festival]

The Unlimited Potential of Sports! 5 Campaigns that Overcome Prejudice❣❣

The Unlimited Potential of Sports! 5 Campaigns that Overcome Prejudice❣❣

Imagine a scene from your favorite sports game.What comes to mind?

Aren't you thinking first of the match featuring powerful male athletes by any chance?

Perhaps the sports we are passionate about may only exist in a very limited form.

Today we look at five advertisements that reject ‘this standardized image of sports’.

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It’s the Les Bleus game you’ve been waiting for, but who is it in reality?

Campaign Video

<WOMEN'S FOOTBALL>

Country: France┃Brand: Orange┃Advertising Agency: Marcel

The French national football team Les Bleus is in full swing!

They chase the ball, sprint across the field, and demonstrate impressive techniques. This is the kind of fantastic play that only Les Bleus can offer.

But there’s a secret hidden within this creative play.

Was everything you just saw completely real?

Source: MUSE BY CLIOS website

That’s not them you’ve just seen!

This match was actually played by the French national women’s team.

According to Durham University, despite the heightened visibility of women’s football, more than 2/3 of men’s football fans still have a negative view of women’s football.

To combat this prejudice, French telecommunications company Orange teamed up with Marcel, an agency under the umbrella of Publicis, to produce ‘Women’s Football’ using VFX and AI deepfake technology before the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

This commercial dramatically shows that the spectacular plays made by male football stars were actually performed by the French national women’s team, deftly shattering the prejudice that ‘women footballers are not as good as the men’.

Source: Still from "la Compil des Bleues" (English version)

‘At Orange, when we support les Bleus, we support les Bleues’

Defying the gender stereotypes that exist in sports, this ad has received widespread praise and a host of awards at major advertising festivals around the world.

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Imagine us running with number 321!

Campaign Video

<Runner 321>

Country: Canada┃Brand: ADIDAS┃Advertising Agency: FCB Canada

When you were young, did you ever see an adult you looked up to and think ‘I want to be like that’?

Looking up to adults they admire helps children to greatly expand their world.

The hopes and dreams of children grow exponentially whenever they are presented with lots of scenes that offer a new source of inspiration, giving them the courage that they can ‘achieve anything.’

But for some children, there are limits to the hopes and dreams that imagination brings.

It is hard for them to imagine themselves as professional athletes.

Source: Chris Nikic Instagram

And now, we’re changing that.

Adidas sought to change this perception through running.

Adidas not only sponsored Chris Nikic, the first runner with Down syndrome to complete a triathlon, but also launched a global campaign to enable athletes with Down syndrome to compete in all kinds of running events.

LET'S MAKE ROOM FOR RUNNER 321 IN EVERY RACE.

Source: Adidas Runner321 website

321 is a symbolic number that represents trisomy 21, a genetic feature of Down syndrome. Adidas called on event organizers to make room for the number 321 so that runners with Down syndrome would be able to take part in the world’s largest marathons, including four marathons sponsored by Nike, New Balance and Asics.

Source: CLIO Awards website

It’s time we saw Runner 321 in every race. You in?

With ‘Runner 321,’ Adidas leveraged its social influence as a global sports brand to run a campaign that promotes inclusion to ensure no one is left on the sidelines when it comes to sports. This campaign has made room for Runner 321 in 252 competitions across six of the world’s largest marathons.

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Anyone can become a football coach. Even you.

Campaign Video

<THE EVERYDAY TACTICIAN>

Country: UK┃Brand: Xbox┃Advertising Agency: McCann London

When watching a football match that has turned into a disaster, it’s easy to find yourself uttering the words “If I were the coach then I could do a better job than this!” If this sounds like you, then this campaign has a proposal for you.

“Really? Then you be the coach!”

Source: Contagious

Cracks suddenly begin to appear in the player’s room during a game of Football Manager 2024. Just as the walls collapse entirely, a real football stadium appears. The player is welcomed by the Bromley FC team and becomes the coach in charge of a real football match.

BECOME A REAL TACTICIAN FOR BROMLEY FC BY PLAYING FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024

Source: Creative Salon

Advertising firm McCann London held a contest where Xbox FM24 could compete to serve as a technical advisor to a professional football team.

The winner receives the chance to spend five months as the tactician for Bromley FC.

‘The Everyday Tactician’ campaign achieved more than 1.5 billion impressions and grew the Xbox FM24 player base by 190%. This campaign delightfully demonstrated the fact that playing the Xbox game helped in real football analysis and strategy planning, and changed the social perception of football video games.

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Anywhere in a city can be a place to play

Campaign Video

<TURF FINDER>

Country: India┃Brand: Gatorade┃Advertising Agency: Leo Burnett India

Our cities are full. Of people, buildings, and cars.

We walk, work, move, live, and love in these spaces.

BUT, PLAY?

Sports drink brand Gatorade and global advertising agency Leo Burnett India noticed a distinct lack of places to play sports in cities. The people in the video try to get a game going in various locations around a city, but encounter difficulties because of the narrow and dangerous spaces and crude equipment. Does this mean they have to give up on enjoying sports in cities?

In partnership with Google Maps, Gatorade put forward the following solution. By analyzing past data and real-time traffic patterns, they created ‘temporary sports facilities’ that only operate at certain times.

“And when that happened, We dropped a turf”.

Source: PepsiCo

‘Turf Finder’ encourages city-dwellers to try out sport for themselves rather than just be spectators. Bringing about greater diversity in sports facilities enables everyone to enjoy sports. This campaign started in Mumbai and is currently spreading to cities across the world, receiving accolades from major advertising festivals.

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‘The Right to Race’ for Dominic

Campaign Video

<The Right to Race>

Country: Switzerland┃Brand: On Running┃Advertising Agency: Hungry Man Productions

“I was born in South Sudan in a small village called Chukudum”

‘The Right To Race’ is a documentary film that tells the story of Dominic Lokinyomo Lobalu, a track and field athlete and stateless asylum seeker. Born in South Sudan, Lobalu was left an orphan at age 9 due to war. This documentary details the arduous struggle he went through to be able to compete on the global stage as a refugee.

Source: branding in asia

This campaign tackled the issues of national identity and sense of belonging for stateless refugee athletes, using the lens of Lobalu’s story to persuade us that refugee athletes deserve respect for running and racing.

A FIGHT ON AND OFF THE TRACK FOR THE RIGHT TO RACE AGAINST THE WORLD'S BEST

Source: Still from "The Right to Race" Trailer

‘The Right To Race’ premiered at Cannes Lions on World Refugee Day. The film has swept up awards at a number of major global film festivals and advertising festivals, and served as a meaningful step toward the right of stateless athletes to ‘represent their country’.

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We've discovered five campaigns that break sports stereotypes with fresh and unexpected ideas.

Which extraordinary creations will be honored at MAD STARS 2024?

If you're interested in innovative and quirky creative solutions from around the world, join us at MAD STARS 2024, starting on 21 August in Busan, Korea!

MAD STARS 2024: 21-23 August, 2024 (KST) in Busan, Korea

Pre-registration 👇🏻💕

[mthilley]

Me and IronMan, Chris Nikic! #hilley #1%better #believeinyourself (at Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort) https://www.instagram.com/p/CnrpiewOs30geoYRGLiM8jB9slhS-Lu3gUpXJM0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[nowthisnews]

Chris Nikic just became the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman — his next goal: conquering the 2022 Special Olympics 🏅

follow @nowthisnews for daily news videos & more

[uvmagazine]

Throughout his life, there were many things Chris Nikic was told he couldn't achieve due to his disability. But the 21-year-old has defeated many odds including finishing one of the most rigorous athletic events that doctors said he wouldn’t be capable of completing.

Chris Nikic has made history becoming the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon.

Nikic completed the race in 16 hrs, 46 minutes and 9 seconds. The race starts with a 2.4 mile ocean swim, then competitors hit the road for a 112 mile bike ride. If thats not laborious, competitors complete a full 26.2 mile marathon run.

He said most of all, he wants to bring awareness about down syndrome.

"All about awareness and inclusion," he wrote. “Awareness for Down Syndrome and Special Olympics. Inclusion for all of us with all of you.”

Read more: https://www.unheardvoicesmag.com/2020/11/17/chris-nikic-becomes-the-first-person-with-down-syndrome-to-complete-ironman-triathlon/

[tripeakathlete]

Your Ultimate Triathlon Race Day Checklist

Your Ultimate Triathlon Race Day Checklist

Preparing for a triathlon can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With so much to remember, having a detailed checklist can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or gearing up for your first race, this checklist will ensure you’re ready for the big day. **Pre-Race Essentials** – **Clothing & Gear:** – Tri Suit – Warm-up Sneakers – ID and any necessary documents – Water…

[nbcnightlynews]

WATCH: 21-year-old Chris Nikic is the first athlete with Down syndrome to attempt an Ironman Triathlon.

Chris Nikic will swim 2.4 miles in open water, cycle 112 miles then run a full 26.2 mile marathon. “I can prove to kids that if I can do it, then they can do it too,” the 21-year-old tells NBC’s Catie Beck.

[robinruns]

Spending my saturday night following Chris Nikic on the Ironman Florida course. He’s going to be the first person with down syndrome to complete an Ironman! Major major accomplishment!

[nowthisnews]

Chris Nikic, a 21-year-old from Florida, has become the first athlete with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman race. Nikic finished the triathlon on November 7, swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running 26.2 miles in just under 17 hours. According to Nikic's Instagram, he's already looking toward new feats for 2021: 'Time to set a new and BIGGER Goal for 2021. Whatever it is the strategy is the same. 1% Better every day.'

[peycke]

IRONMAN Chris Nikic by Zack Wittman for The New York Times

[your-dietician]

Man Becomes 1st Person With Down Syndrome to Finish Ironman World Championship

New Post has been published on https://medianwire.com/man-becomes-1st-person-with-down-syndrome-to-finish-ironman-world-championship/

Man Becomes 1st Person With Down Syndrome to Finish Ironman World Championship

At one point during the Ironman World Championship triathlon in Kona Hawaii, the wind gusts were so strong that Chris Nikic was peddling under 10 miles per hour on his bike. Dad Nik Nikic worried that his son, 23, might not finish the grueling race. But Chris Nikic pushed himself, increasing his speed to 17 miles per hour. He was able to finish the race in 16 hours 31 minutes and 27 seconds, making him the first person with Down syndrome to complete the Ironman championship race.

“I actually had to ride against the wind,” Chris Nikic of Maitland, Florida, told TODAY. “The wind just attacked me at 30 miles per hour.”

Nik Nikic said they had anticipated the wind being a challenge, so they arrived in Kona a few weeks earlier to help him prepare.

“We knew that problem,” he told TODAY. “We were out there … on the mountain every day for a week and a half before, practicing until he finally got it. And it took him awhile, but he figured it out.”

This preparation helped him speed up later in the biking portion of the race.

“He picked it up and got back up to about 17 miles per hour, and he was able to make up time,” Nik Nikic explained.

In 2020, Chris Nikic became the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman triathlon, which includes a 2.4-mile swim in open water, a 112-mile bike ride and a full marathon of 26.2 miles. This needs to be completed within 17 hours. Over the past five years since Chris Nikic started training for the Ironman, his dad has developed ways to help his son tackle any potential roadblocks.

“Everything we believe is going to be a challenge for him, we isolate and then we explain it to him, and we go together and break it down, and we just practice over and over until his subconscious mind gets used to it,” Nik Nikic said. “He doesn’t panic when it happens. He can deal with it.”

While planning ahead is part of Chris Nikic’s success, this attitude also helps him as a competitor.

“Chris is resilient. He doesn’t quit,” his dad said. “His strength, his determination, his work ethic and his willingness to fight through everything (keeps him competitive).”

That doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel frustrated at times. During one of the practice bike rides, he fell off and gave his dad a hug while crying. But after a pep talk and remembering his girlfriend, Adrienne, would be waiting for him, Chris Nikic got back on the bike.

For Nik Nikic, watching his son compete in this Ironman wasn’t as nerve-wracking.

“It was very calming this time around versus the first time in Florida because we knew what we were up against and he did the work,” Nik Nikic said. “He did the work. There were no surprises other than the wind because everything else we had anticipated.”

Chris Nikic competes with a guide, Dan Grieb, who also joined him in his 2020 Panama City Beach Ironman race. Since then, Chris Nikic had been training hard for Kona.

“He had done everything he needed to do in preparation. He never made any excuses,” Nik Nikic said. “He never backed down from a long training day. He just got it done, and I was just at peace knowing that he had done everything he needed to do to get ready.”

At the finish line, Chris Nikic gave Adrienne a promise ring, and he looks forward to spending more time with her and eating Chipotle rice, a favorite of his. He’s heard from dozens of people who said that they tried running a race or accomplishing a goal they didn’t think they could after seeing how successful he was. He looks forward to seeing the next person with Down syndrome that will defy expectations.

“I want to know who is next,” he said.

He plans to take up boxing, improve his golf game and compete in the Abbott World Marathon Majors, six marathons that include Boston, Chicago, New York City, Tokyo, Berlin and London.

Nik Nikic said that he’s glad people’s perception of people with Down syndrome are changing, thanks in part to his son’s accomplishments.

“Change is hard. Change is slow. We’re anchored in a certain belief system around Down syndrome,” he said. “But it is changing because we’re seeing parents of kids with Down syndrome are not buying the narrative anymore.”

Chris Nikic hopes others learn from his example.

“The message would be simple: If they’re willing to work hard, to get 1% better, you can (achieve your dreams),” he said.

Read full article here

[yadira81j]

Read Anything Is Possible: Reach Your Full Potential by Getting 1% Better Each Day -- Chris Nikic and Nik Nikic

Download Or Read PDF Anything Is Possible: Reach Your Full Potential by Getting 1% Better Each Day - Chris Nikic and Nik Nikic Free Full Pages Online With Audiobook.

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[tripeakathlete]

Your Ultimate Triathlon Race Day Checklist

Your Ultimate Triathlon Race Day Checklist

Preparing for a triathlon can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. With so much to remember, having a detailed checklist can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or gearing up for your first race, this checklist will ensure you’re ready for the big day. **Pre-Race Essentials** – **Clothing & Gear:** – Tri Suit – Warm-up Sneakers – ID and any necessary documents – Water…