Rong Niu, the celebrated halftime performer famously known as "Red Panda," recently captivated a Miami men's basketball crowd with her shimmering pink sequined dress and signature acrobatic act. As she dismounted from her unicycle after a flawless seven-minute set, the arena erupted in chants of her name, a testament to her enduring popularity across decades of NBA, WNBA, and college games.
The Terrifying Incident That Shook the Court
Last July, during the WNBA Commissioner's Cup final between the Indiana Fever and the Minnesota Lynx, Niu experienced a harrowing fall just a minute into her performance. She crashed to the court from her custom-built unicycle, which stands about 8 feet tall, and remained down for several minutes. Diagnosed with a broken left wrist, she was helped off in a wheelchair and spent 11 hours in a Minneapolis hospital, accompanied by Lynx staffers.
Reflecting on the Fall and Its Aftermath
Niu recalls the moment with vivid clarity, pointing to her wrist as she describes the immense pain and disorientation. "I wasn't very clear because of the impact," she said. "They asked if I could walk, and I said yes, but then I tried to stand up and felt like I was passing out." The injury required surgery and approximately four months of recovery, during which she grappled with doubts about what went wrong in an act she had performed countless times since childhood.
Uncovering the Cause: A Damaged Pedal
Upon returning to the arena after her hospital release, Niu inspected her equipment meticulously. She discovered that one of the pedals on her unicycle was slightly bent, likely damaged during transit, whether through security checks or air travel. "Normally, I test everything carefully," she explained, demonstrating her routine. "But I didn't test the pedal this time." This oversight led to the catastrophic failure that resulted in her fall.
The Overwhelming Wave of Fan Support
Despite the trauma, Niu was buoyed by an outpouring of support from fans and fellow athletes. Messages flooded social media, including from Fever star Caitlin Clark, and she received numerous cards and gifts. "I feel so much support," Niu expressed. "It's beyond support—I don't have a better word to describe that feeling. That was beyond appreciation."
Returning to the Spotlight with Renewed Purpose
Niu made her comeback on October 23 for an Amazon Prime event, followed by an NBA game between Chicago and Philadelphia on November 1. The return hasn't been easy, as she admits to lingering thoughts of the fall when she starts pedaling. However, the unwavering encouragement from fans, who forgo halftime breaks to watch her, fuels her gratitude and motivation. "I want to show that I can do this," she said. "But when I couldn't, they still chanted for me. I feel I owe them something."
Born into a family of acrobats in China's Shanxi province, Niu began honing her skills at age 7, balancing bowls and bricks on her head. Her act, which involves riding the tall unicycle and flipping bowls onto her head, has made her a beloved figure in sports entertainment since her first halftime show with the Los Angeles Clippers in 1993.
As she continues to perform, Niu carries the memory of her fall and the support that carried her back, describing it as a profound feeling that "goes in my heart." Her story is a powerful reminder of resilience and the deep connections forged through decades of dedication to her craft.
