Ironman Chris Nikic Receives Jimmy V Award at 2021 ESPYs: 'I Get 1 Percent Better Every Day'

, which includes swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles, and running a full 26.2-mile marathon. To complete an Ironman, you must finish in 17 hours, and Nikic completed the race in 16 hours, 46 minutes, and nine seconds.

On July 10, Nikic was honored with the Jimmy V award for perseverance at the 2021 ESPYs. The Jimmy V award was instituted in 2007 and named after famed North Carolina State University basketball coach Jim Valvano. At the 1993 ESPYs, Valvano won the Arthur Ashe courage award and gave a now-iconicwith only months left to live after being diagnosed with glandular cancer. In his speech, Valvano encouraged people:"don't give up, don't ever give up.

Nikic embodied that spirit during the 2021 ESPYs, where his Ironman training was documented in a compelling video package. His dad said Nikic's coach initially didn't want to create an Ironman training program for Nikic since he believed the ocean swim would be too dangerous. However, Nikic persisted, and said his motto and training plan was to"get one percent better every day."

Nikic's dad said the one percent plan made training more achievable and created a way for them to track progress. When it came time for the race, Nikic faced some setbacks: he crashed his bike going downhill and was pacing behind the 17-hour goal. By mile 10 of the marathon, it was dark, and the athlete was struggling. However, after being encouraged by his"At first I wanted to stop, instead I kept pushing through. I knew my dream was coming," he said in the video package.

During his acceptance speech at the ESPYs, Nikic reiterated that his one percent rule got him through training."I want to honor God by being the best I can be to give hope to others," he said."It's easy to make excuses and quit. I don't do excuses, and I don't quit.""It's easy to make excuses and quit. I don’t do excuses. I don’t quit."

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

ESPYS 2021 Red Carpet Fashion: See Every Look at the Stars Arrive - E! OnlineAnthony Mackie is set to host the 2021 ESPYS with appearances from your favorite athletes and celebrities. See photos of the stars who walked the red carpet. The stars arrive and the public leaves
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »

Sha'Carri Richardson Receives Support at 2021 ESPYS Following Olympics Suspension - E! OnlineAfter learning she won’t be competing at the Tokyo Olympics, track and field sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson attended the ESPYS 2021 and received a special shout out. She’s a class act! This condones her breaking the rules. Drugs maybe legal in US but not every country is doped up. Rules are for everyone all over the world. Wow and shes a rolemodel hmm She has support form ppl who don’t matter 😄…she screwed up her chance of the olympics just so she could smoke some dope…I wonder what it’s like to work your entire life for something just to throw it all away for weed 😏
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »

Zachary Levi Steps Out With Rumored Girlfriend at 2021 ESPYS - E! OnlineBefore presenting one of the biggest awards at the 2021 ESPYS, actor Zachary Levi got fans talking with his red carpet date for the night. Who? He was super annoying on the ESPY’s. Wouldn’t stick to the script etc. brianajtyson 😐
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »

Matt James and Rachael Kirkconnell's Red Carpet Debut at the 2021 ESPYS Is Worth the Wait - E! OnlineMatt James and Rachael Kirkconnell took another big step in their relationship by posing on the red carpet together at the 2021 ESPYS. Get all the details on their sporty night out. Who 🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮🤮
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »

Rob Gronkowski and Camille Kostek Turn the 2021 ESPYS Red Carpet Into a Must-See Runway - E! OnlineNFL star Rob Gronkowski and girlfriend Camille Kostek enjoyed date night at the 2021 ESPYS. See how they started the party on the red carpet.
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »

ESPYS 2021 Winners: The Complete List - E! OnlineAnthony Mackie is set to host the 2021 ESPYS live from New York City. Find out the professional teams and athletes who could walk away with some big recognition at the star-studded show.
Source: enews - 🏆 466. / 52 Read more »