Tulsa Teen Cyclist Beats The Odds - And Other Racers

One of the most impressive performances of Saturday's Tulsa Tough races involved Tulsa's own Hannah Jordan. She came inside a second from placing on the podium at the women's Category 4 race.

"So it all started from about two years ago, I learned how to ride a bike," Hannah said.

Two years. That's how long 15-year-old Hannah Jordan has been riding a bike. Look past the incredible learning curve that already has her one of the toop riders in the state - and forgive the late start - she spent much of her childhood in the hospital.

"So I have an unknown, rare metabolic disease and a couple others on top of that," she said. "They're still not exactly sure to this very day."  

On top of that, Hannah has severe hypoglycemia or low blood sugar. She has to wear a pump constantly to keep her sugar levels stable. At first, she carried it around in a backpack during races, but now she has a more aerodynamic solution. 

"It's sort of, you just have to make it work, and so I have a special shirt that's made for it," Hannah said.

6/10/2017 Related Story: Tulsa Tough Day 2 Competition Moves To Brady Arts District

It worked well on day two of Tulsa tough. She finished fourth in the women's Cat 4 race - against some competitors more than twice her age.

"It's absolutely amazing," she said. 

You might think a fourth place finish is pretty impressive, but Hannah's got bigger dreams than that. Knowing her and knowing the Jordan family, I wouldn't bet against them. Sounds like they don't let much stand in their way. 

Hannah Jordan: "I want to do the 2020 Olympics and bring back the Tour de France and become pro," she said.

That would make her 19. The 2016 women's individual road race winner was 26 - but again, don't bet against her.

"Our family motto is called odds don't determine outcome," she said.  "It means no matter what your circumstances are, no matter how tough it is, you can always make it through the other side."