In case you missed it, last night six-time American Ninja Warrior (ANW) veteran athlete and Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Patient Council member Jimmy Choi, age 50, returned to the stage to take on the show’s daunting obstacle course alongside his daughter, Karina, age 16. Diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2003 at the age of 27, Jimmy continues to use his diagnosis and appearances on ANW to advocate for PD awareness.
As Jimmy took on this personal record-breaking run, the audience was reminded of his inspirational journey over the years while appearing on the show and raising critical funds and awareness for PD.
After his inspiring finish on the course, Jimmy reflected on everything he’s been able to accomplish since receiving his PD diagnosis 22 years ago. “First of all, don’t compare [yourself] to anyone else. We’re all dealing with our stuff,” he said. “Educate yourself, learn how to fight back, dedicate, discipline and you can get there.”
ANW co-host and MJFF Board member Akbar Gbajabiamila shared that the story was personal for him as well. “My father has Parkinson’s and Jimmy Choi has not only inspired me and my family but really shown the entire community that with Parkinson’s there’s still a lot of hope and a lot of life,” Gbajabiamila said, adding how much Jimmy’s dedication has meant to his family as well as The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s mission.
After the episode aired, Akbar further shared his gratitude for Jimmy’s story with fans on Instagram, “Tonight, I gained an extra dose of hope, a reminder that together, we can push the boundaries and fight for a future free from Parkinson’s. Let’s keep believing, keep fighting the good fight.”
In five previous seasons of the show, Choi had not made it past the third obstacle but continued to push his own limits and inspire audience members and his family, including his wife Cherryl and children Karina and Mason, shown cheering on the sidelines. Fans from around the country cheered Jimmy on as he achieved a new personal record in his latest, incredible athletic feat. “This man refuses to accept limitations,” ANW co-host Matt Iseman emphasized alongside Jimmy’s determination.
Beyond his efforts on the show, Jimmy’s unwavering courage in confronting his diagnosis head-on continues to inspire all of us at The Michael J. Fox Foundation and the worldwide PD community.
Cheer on one of our own and watch as he achieves a new personal record alongside his family on NBC below:
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Jimmy Choi, 50, MJFF Patient Council member returns to the American Ninja Warrior course for an awe-inspiring, career-best run.
Feeling inspired? Get involved with The Michael J. Fox Foundation by participating in an event or fundraising for Team Fox, the grassroots community fundraising program of MJFF. Learn more about participating in research, including PPMI, the Foundation’s landmark research study. Finally, connect with community members through MJFF’s Buddy Network, an online community of people impacted by PD.