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Aalnius t1_irkbpp5 wrote

Reply to comment by txteebone in Chris Nikic Becomes the First Athlete with Down Syndrome to Finish the Ironman World Championship by JesseB342

seems sus then if hes 23 dating a 16 yr old kid.

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say592 t1_irkfjsk wrote

I had that initial reaction as well, but then again, he has a developmental disability so I guess it's not quite the same? Like he's not mentally a 23 year old, nor is he living his life the same way a 23 year old would be typically.

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2absMcGay t1_irki0ko wrote

I work very closely with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This relationship is not appropriate. Ever.

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weelamb t1_irm0p41 wrote

Can you please elaborate, 2absMcGay?

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txteebone t1_irmums2 wrote

My bet is that all their parents are supportive and that their dates are chaperoned.

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BackIn2019 t1_irm6gc9 wrote

>Like he's not mentally a 23 year old

By that reasoning, isn't his 16 year old "girlfriend" with developmental disabilities even younger mentally, making that relationship even more problematic?

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chevyfried t1_irkgp3o wrote

Before anyone whips out the pitchforks, let's not forget the benefit of the doubt. He trains hours a day, has a support structure and a serious mental handicap. If I were to guess his life is not filled with scanning high schools and statutory rape. I'm not saying if we break it down to just the bare bone fact of a 23 yo dating a 16yo isn't frowned upon, but maybe this is that 1 out if a million wxception where no crimes are being committed and they are happy. I could totally be wrong, but just for a minute let's hope I'm not.

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DrMangosteen t1_irl53lf wrote

"Hmmm. Considering the implications of this personally makes me uncomfortable so I say we allow it"

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