Ironman

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/triathlon/54869998

Triathlete Chris Nicik from Florida USA has become the first person with Down’s syndrome to complete an Ironman event. In the competition athletes had to swim 2.4 miles, cycle 112 miles and run 26 mile marathon. Chris completed the course in 16 hours 46 minutes and became a world record holder.

The Ironman organisers said, “You have shattered barriers while proving without a doubt that anything is possible.”

In the 42 years since Ironman started, no person with Down’s syndrome has attempted an event. Now Chris has become an inspiration for other people with learning disabilities.

Chris started training three years ago with just one press up every day. His goal was to become 1% fitter every day. His next goal is to take part in the 2022 Special Olympics in Florida.

Chris’s Dad says, “Ironman has served as his platform to become one step closer to his goal of living a life of inclusion, normalcy and leadership. It’s about being an example to other kids and families that face similar barriers, proving no dream or goal is too high.”

-        Why do you think this event is called ironman?

-        Is it only for men? (no, anyone can join in. Here is an article about a female participant in 2013 https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2013/nov/28/take-on-ironman-challenge-woman-female-participants)

-        How do you think it feels to swim 2 miles and then do a 100 mile bike race… and then a 26 mile run? What would your body feel like? The link above written by a female competitor talks about the hardship. During the swim at the beginning everyone is squashed together; a man in her race dislocated his arm because it was so crowded)

-        Look at the photo, why is the women screaming at Chris? What do you think she is saying?

-        Watch the clip in the link under the photo to see Chris competing

-        Chris started training by doing 1 push up a day. How has that small press up turned in to competing in this huge event?

-        “It’s about being an example to other kids and families that face similar barriers, proving no dream or goal is too high” what does this mean?

-        What can we learn from Chris?

Why is this a story of hope?

why is this about no outsiders?