One man with Down syndrome has achieved a marathon milestone, completing the world’s top six marathons.

People can be needlessly cruel. They will say or do harmful, painful and damaging things to others for no apparent reason. Even if people don’t intend to be cruel, their words and actions can have a long-lasting impact. People may not do something because of what someone said to them in the past.

Sadly, in addition to being coldhearted and cruel, individuals can be dismissive and closed-minded. Most people don’t seem able to look at someone and see their potential. Instead of saying what they can do, they will often look at someone and state what they can’t or will not be able to do or achieve.

Chris Nikic and his father know this situation all too well. Chris is an athlete and has Down syndrome but has not let his condition or other people’s opinions or hurtful words keep him from achieving something no one else has done.

According to a video posted on YouTube, Chris recently became the first person with Down syndrome to participate in and finish the world’s top six marathons. Chris set the world record in March when he completed the Tokyo marathon.

The clip adds that Chris is also the first person with Down syndrome to take part in and complete an Ironman triathlon. 

Chris’s father understands that people can be cruel, but instead of letting their hurtful words stop them, they have used those remarks as motivation.

“When Chris was born, everyone told us all the things he couldn’t do,” his father said. “And part of the reason that we go all over the world, and we do so many events, it’s an opportunity to show other parents like me and my wife that there’s hope and that their kids can do amazing things and live an amazing life.”

People look at others and see what they cannot do, but God looks at someone and sees their heart,  potential and what they can do.

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, said the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”