Exciting news for followers of basketball and performance art: the remarkable Red Panda is aiming to be back in the spotlight for the next basketball season.
Red Panda, widely adored for her extraordinary halftime unicycle routines, unfortunately experienced a fall during the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx. This incident resulted in the acrobat fracturing her left wrist, and according to her representative agency, she will require further evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon.
Red Panda, born Rong Niu, endured a lengthy 11-hour stay in a Minneapolis hospital, during which two staff members from the Lynx remained by her side throughout, as confirmed by her agent Patrick Figley. Now, the Chinese American performer is heading back home to embark on her journey of treatment and recovery, which is anticipated to span a few months.
“She is very grateful,” shared Figley. “Red Panda conveys her heartfelt thanks to everyone for their kind support and well-wishes. It truly means everything to her.”
The unfortunate mishap resulted from travel-related damage to a section of her unicycle, according to Figley.
The Fever seized victory in the Minneapolis game, and during their ecstatic postgame celebrations, Indiana standout Caitlin Clark was captured on teammate Sydney Colson’s Instagram live stream extending heartfelt messages to Red Panda.
“Red Panda, if you’re watching, we love you,” Clark expressed.
During the incident, Red Panda toppled forward from her specially crafted unicycle, which stands at a towering 8 feet, not long after commencing her Tuesday night performance. She was seen holding her left wrist immediately after and was eventually assisted off the court in a wheelchair, later being transported by ambulance to receive medical attention.
Hailing from a lineage of talented performing acrobats, her routine involves riding the unicycle while deftly balancing and flipping custom-made bowls onto her head using her lower leg.
Her performances have graced innumerable basketball venues, including a significant appearance during Game 5 of the NBA Finals last month held in Oklahoma City.
“She is incredibly appreciative of all the encouragement she is receiving,” Figley explained.