WATCH: 41-year-old with Parkinson’s disease takes on American Ninja Warrior course
A physically demanding tournament like the American Ninja Warrior course requires a serious amount of fine motor skills to finish, let alone take part of.
But despite dealing with the dreaded Parkinson’s disease, Jimmy Choi defied all odds and managed to take on the course.
The 41-year-old tech consultant’s inspiring run at the hit sports-entertainment tourney became a hit online recently, as he bravely took on the daunting obstacle course.
“My goal is to go out there and show everybody out there that no matter what they’re faced with, the hardest is that first step,” Choi said, who was first diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease when he was 27 years old . “Once you take that first step, the rest of it comes easy.”
Although his hands were visibly trembling throughout his spirited run, the father of two managed to complete the first two obstacles, the floating steps and the tricky hang glider.
However, he could not regain his footing and fell off the challenge on the the broken pipes level.
Despite falling short of his attempt, Choi’s run became an inspiration for both the live spectators and those viewing at home.
“Jimmy. You are a TRUE champion and inspiration. Fight on my brotha, it was my honor to call your run,” show’s host, Akbar Gbajabiamila, tweeted his show of support shortly after the run.
Jimmy. You are a TRUE champion and inspiration. Fight on my brotha, it was my honor to call your run. 🙏🏾#AmericanNinjaWarrior #TeamFox pic.twitter.com/uO2CUqVu9l
— Akbar Gbajabiamila (@Akbar_Gbaja) July 4, 2017
Choi, meanwhile, represented the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which funds research into the disease.
Prior to his attempt, Michael J. Fox himself offered a brief words of motivation for Choi. Khristian Ibarrola /ra
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