“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles” – Christopher Reeve.
Simeon Gipson, a passionate cyclist and participant in both the National Senior Games and World Games, has defied the odds through both personal and physical challenges. With a life story marked by both triumph and adversity, his journey to success in cycling is as much about overcoming personal battles as it is about sporting achievement. From childhood struggles to becoming an advocate for health and fitness, his story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of perseverance.
Simeon recalls that much of his childhood was shrouded in confusion and emotional pain. Although he was somewhat aware of his Cherokee and Choctaw heritage, celebrating Native culture during that point in history was not always socially acceptable. As an adult Simeon has struggled to reconcile his ancestral culture with the white culture he was surrounded by growing up.
He was diagnosed with polio around the age of seven. This debilitating condition left him unable to walk. He has little memory of this period in his life, perhaps a result of his mind protecting him from the trauma of those early years. His struggles were compounded by the lack of cultural connection to his Native American roots. With Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, Simeon felt disconnected from his culture, having not been taught about it in his youth. This gap in his cultural education remains a significant part of his life, and as an adult, he strives to reconnect with his heritage, despite the challenges.
Swipe →I’ll keep doing rides because if it helps even one person, I’ve done my job.
– Simeon
"It is very important to me to reach out to my culture and try to recover it, or at least know what it is.”
“I was probably in high school before I received any kind of education towards my culture. It is very important to me to reach out to my culture and try to recover it, or at least know what it is,” said Simeon.
Simeon’s early introduction to cycling came much later in life because of challenges with obesity and health issues. After serving in the military and moving to Muskogee, he shopped at yard sales in search of items he could use. One day, he found a bike at a yard sale for just a few dollars. He bought it and thus began his love for cycling. He recalls that his first bike was a simple, low-cost model, but that didn’t deter his passion. In fact, it was the beginning of a life-changing journey.
Simeon’s health had taken a toll by this point. Diagnosed with diabetes and weighing nearly 250 pounds, he was at a breaking point. His knees hurt so badly that walking became a challenge. Simeon realized that something had to change. He decided to start cycling. The word “exercise” didn’t appeal to him, but cycling did.
“I hesitate to use the word ‘exercise’ because we all know how we feel about it. We won’t do it. If it’s something you really enjoy, like me and cycling, you do it regularly,” said Simeon.
The bike became a form of medication for him, helping to overcome the impact of diabetes and losing weight. Through daily rides, he shed an incredible 130 pounds, reaching a healthier weight of 180 pounds. Cycling wasn’t just a hobby—it was the key to his survival.
He credits his son with playing an essential role in his cycling journey. It was his son who bought him his first high-quality bike, a Klein, after Simeon expressed his desire to take up cycling seriously. The gift was transformative, and soon after, his son upgraded him to a Specialized bike, further fueling his commitment to the sport. Cycling became an essential part of his life, and his bike became his primary mode of transportation. He rode it everywhere, even in the winter.
That meant the world to me, to hear people say thank you,” said Simeon. “I’ll continue doing rides like that if I get the opportunity if it means so much and helped at least one person.
“I gave up my car. I haven’t owned a car in 10 years, and I don’t miss it,” Simeon said.
As Simeon’s cycling journey continued, he began to gain recognition for his achievements. Through the support of friends, including Alicia Baker, who introduced him to the Oklahoma Senior Games, he began competing in major events. He had initially hesitated to participate, unsure of what these games were, but quickly became a fixture in the senior cycling community. Over the years, the Oklahoma Senior Games grew into one of the nation’s premier events, and Simeon’s involvement helped raise awareness of the importance of fitness and health for older individuals.
His journey took him beyond local competitions, as he was invited to participate in national and international games. Simeon credits the support of his three major backers—his son, Alicia, and Brian Warner, the deputy chief for the Cherokee Nation—for making it possible for him to participate in these high-level competitions. Despite his fixed income as a retired individual, these supporters helped him with the costs of traveling and participating in the events, without which he would not have been able to compete at such a level.
One of the most profound experiences of Simeon’s cycling career came when he was asked to participate in the torch lighting ceremony at the National Senior Games in Pittsburgh. After completing a long ride from Oklahoma to Pittsburgh, Simeon was initially disheartened that the ride didn’t feel as monumental as he had imagined. However, the real significance of his journey was revealed when he spoke in front of an audience of thousands. During his speech, many people, particularly diabetics, approached him, expressing how his story had inspired them to take control of their own health and fight their conditions.
“I told them that my doctor and other people are telling me that diabetes is pretty much a stop sign. But to me, diabetes was not a stop sign. To me, it was a go sign,” he said.
This moment was transformative for Simeon. He realized that his story wasn’t just about proving something to himself but about motivating others. The acknowledgment from others, particularly diabetics who saw his journey as an inspiration, showed him the true value of his efforts. From that moment, he understood that his rides had a deeper meaning—he was helping others to overcome obstacles in their own lives.
“That meant the world to me, to hear people say thank you,” said Simeon. “I’ll continue doing rides like that if I get the opportunity if it means so much and helped at least one person.”
Simeon’s dedication to cycling has allowed him to live a healthier, more fulfilling life. Even at an age where most people might slow down, Simeon has embraced the power of cycling and physical activity to not only improve his own well-being but also inspire others to take charge of their health.
Today, Simeon continues to cycle with passion, grateful for the opportunities and support that have helped him achieve so much. He reflects on the importance of sharing his journey with others and the value of community support. Cycling, for him, is not just about the ride—it’s about the relationships, the culture, and the people who have been there to support him along the way. Through his determination, Simeon Gipson has turned his challenges into triumphs, using his story to inspire others to live their best lives.
Our health is our strength. Diabetes can affect anyone, but we have resources within our community to help you manage and thrive. We encourage tribal members to take advantage of the diabetes services offered. Schedule your appointment today and take control of your health journey. To learn more about programs offered, visit Diabetes Prevention Program & the Diabetes Wellness Center.