Marathon Talk Episode 48: Chris & Nik Nikic - The World’s First Six Star Finisher with Down’s Syndrome

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March 2024 saw barriers broken at the Tokyo Marathon by a man whose dedication to being 1% better every day is utterly inspiring, our guest on Marathon Talk, welcome Chris Nikic.

The first to complete the Six Abbott World Marathon Majors as an athlete with Down’s syndrome, his outlook on resilience, progress and motivation should rouse us all, so it’s a joy for Chris and his father Nik to join us on this episode of Marathon Talk.

It’s an episode not to be missed, as we give you the rundown on everything to look out for at the Olympics in Paris and much more.

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The latest instalment of our Six Star Stories series, featuring Chris Nikic, is available to watch now.

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Listen on

In this episode of Marathon Talk

0:00 - Deena kicks us off with a look back at her various vacation escapades, including trespassing in Florida, and Martin brings us into the mindset of feeling fast, without necessarily running it
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9:55 - The Olympics are upon us, and we preview the big stories to watch out for, from Sifan Hassan’s packed schedule, to Team GB’s promising prospects, and of course our pick of the favorites from the marathon field - plus Deena shares just what it’s like as an elite athlete to prepare for the Olympics
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31:50 - The inspirational story of Chris Nikic and his father Nik is the subject of a moving new documentary, so it’s high time to break down the remarkable mindset of a man whose resilience saw him become the first athlete with Down’s Syndrome to become a 6 Star Finisher!

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Episode highlights

“I'm gonna brag a little bit Deena, because watching the British women run in the 800 metres was absolutely incredible; to see a Diamond League event with three Team GB women absolutely destroying it. ” - 13:25 - Martin Yelling

“The Olympics is wonderful isn’t it, because almost anything can happen in an Olympic marathon. Sometimes people can get it wonderfully right, and sometimes for the benefit of perhaps some lesser known or lesser fancied marathon runners, those people can get it not so right.” - 21:00 - Martin Yelling

“When I'm leaving for a major marathon, I look back at my hotel room, knowing when I come back in all sweaty, that I'm going to be a changed person from the experience. What a beautiful thing sport can give us in that way - when you walk back through those doors, you will have transformed in some way.” - 25:35 - Deena Kastor

“What motivates me in a race is the screaming, nutrition, hydration, and the chance to pass people in the later parts of the race.” - 37:10 - Chris Nikic

“If you want to get 1% better, I’d recommend making a spreadsheet to track your progress, and just improve a little every day.” - 45:05 - Chris Nikic