Problem
By finishing it, Nikic cemented himself as a pioneer. Nikic became the first person with Down syndrome to complete the full race. That was good enough to get him a listing in Guinness World Records and a salute from Special Olympics, with which he has been involved for several years. Nikic faced tough challenges even beyond completing the race's 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile cycling leg, and 26.22-mile run.
Which two sentences taken together provide the BEST evidence to support the idea that Nikic broke down barriers by completing the Ironman?