Jimmy Choi, a seven-time American Ninja Warrior competitor and endurance athlete, has spent much of his adult life managing Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder diagnosed when he was 27. Now 51, Choi, who was born in Taiwan and lives in the United States, continues to advocate for awareness and understanding of the condition, addressing common misconceptions and sharing his personal journey.
Choi and his wife, Cherryl, 50, recently visited Singapore to headline the launch of Warrior 24/7, an experiential exhibition designed to raise public awareness of Parkinson’s disease. The exhibition, featuring six interactive stations simulating symptoms such as tremors, freezing of gait, and voice changes, runs at the Singapore Institute of Technology’s Punggol Campus from October 31 to November 4, followed by a show at City Square Mall through November 15. The event, organised by the Lien Foundation alongside Parkinson Society Singapore and other partners, aims to shed light on the daily challenges faced by those living with Parkinson’s.
In an interview, Choi emphasized that Parkinson’s is not solely defined by tremors, a common misconception. “About 30% of people with Parkinson’s don’t experience tremors," he said, adding that his most troublesome symptoms include dystonia—sustained muscle contractions—rigidity, and bradykinesia, or slowed movement. He described always needing to counteract the pull to one side caused by dystonia by strengthening the opposite side of his body.
Beyond motor symptoms, Choi highlighted non-motor challenges such as apathy, speech difficulties, and disrupted sleep, noting he averages only about four hours of rest per night due to cramps and involuntary movements. Despite these struggles, he maintains a rigorous exercise routine, working out six days a week with targeted cardiovascular and strength training to manage his condition. “If I’m able to maintain my current state, I’m actually winning,” he said, reflecting his shift from pursuing performance gains to focusing on preservation.
Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated more than 10,000 people in Singapore by 2026, up from 8,000 in 2019, with diagnoses trending younger as awareness improves. Senior consultant Tay Kay Yaw of the National Neuroscience Institute noted the average age of diagnosis decreased from 67.3 years in 2008 to around 63.5 years in 2024. Around 10% of patients are diagnosed before age 50, often categorized as young-onset Parkinson’s, where symptom progression tends to be slower and less associated with cognitive decline.
Choi described managing his daily activities around fluctuating periods of mobility, which can range from two to eight hours, and relying on medication to stay in the milder stage of the disease. He acknowledged the necessity to modify his lifestyle, including stepping away from high-impact pursuits like American Ninja Warrior, to protect his joints and extend his physical independence.
Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of structured exercise programs tailored to individual needs for people with Parkinson’s. According to senior principal physiotherapist Chloe Chung Lau Ha at Tan Tock Seng Hospital, routine activities like walking or light chores are insufficient to counteract the disease’s motor decline. Specialized programs such as KEEP (Kickstart Exercise and Empower Parkinson’s)—a joint initiative by the Lien Foundation, Parkinson Society Singapore, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, and the National Neuroscience Institute—offer comprehensive rehabilitation that addresses exercise, balance, mood, and functional capabilities.
Choi and Cherryl also reflected candidly on the challenges of the early years following his diagnosis. The couple acknowledged that Choi's initial silence and self-isolation created strain within their family, complicating communication and support. A turning point came after a fall in 2010 while carrying their infant son Mason, prompting Choi to begin a dedicated fitness regimen. “I thought I was protecting my family, but I was actually pushing the burden onto them,” he said.
Their son Mason, now 17, was diagnosed in 2025 with functional neurological disorder, which affects the brain’s communication with the body. His symptoms have led to reliance on a wheelchair, presenting new emotional challenges for the family. Despite this, Choi remains hopeful, emphasizing the need for time and space in adjusting to chronic conditions. “Allow yourself to grieve,” he advised, noting his own eight-year journey to acceptance.
Looking ahead, Choi focuses on securing his family’s well-being and living in the present. Alongside Mason, he and Cherryl have a 19-year-old daughter, Karina. Together, they continue to navigate the complexities of life with Parkinson’s and related health challenges, with an emphasis on resilience and adaptability.