1% Better is the mantra that Chris Nikic and his dad, Nik, live by, and they've co-authored a book with that title to help others pursue their dreams and be the best version of themselves. Chris is the first person with Down syndrome to finish an Ironman Triathlon, and he's also completed the Boston and New York City marathons. He was awarded the Jimmy V Award for Perseverance and the Best Athlete with a Disability in Men's Sports at the 2021 ESPY Awards.
- Zach Best
FanSided General Manager
How this fandom made the world a better place
Chris opened a lot of people's eyes to a more inclusive world and how we can all help shape a more inclusive society. The knowledge that we truly are more alike than different is something we all need right now. There is still so much work to be done to create a truly inclusive world, but having this athlete inspiring change is something everyone can root for.
Why we needed this fandom this year
Chris decided to do something that most people — even those who don’t have a physical or intellectual disability — would consider impossible or too hard to consider. We needed this fandom now because it's been a tough year for everyone. We needed someone to inspire us to take on difficult challenges, to make ourselves better every single day, and to do it with the expectation there will be difficult times, but how we respond to those obstacles is what matters the most.