Minneapolis, Minnesota — Renowned acrobat Rong “Krystal” Niu, famously known as Red Panda, faced a significant injury during her performance at the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final on Tuesday evening. Niu suffered a serious fracture to her left wrist shortly after taking the stage at Target Center, where the Minnesota Lynx competed against the Indiana Fever.
Following the incident, Niu’s agent, Patrick Figley, provided an update on her condition the next day. Niu was transported to a Minneapolis hospital after the fall, which occurred when a damaged pedal on her unicycle failed during her routine. This malfunction led to her falling from her custom-built 7-foot unicycle just moments into her act.
Reports indicate that Niu spent 11 hours receiving medical treatment at the hospital. Two staff members from the Lynx organization accompanied her as she was taken off the court in a wheelchair. Niu underwent a medical procedure that addressed her injury, now acknowledged as a significant fracture.
In a following statement, Figley shared that Niu, who is in her 50s, has since returned to her home in San Francisco. She is expected to consult with an orthopedic surgeon soon to determine her next steps for recovery. The acrobat has a demanding schedule, performing more than 50 shows a year, where she skillfully balances bowls on her foot and tosses them onto her head, sometimes managing to kick multiple bowls onto a growing stack.
Figley emphasized Niu’s gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received from fans and fellow performers alike. Among those reaching out was Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever, who shared words of encouragement for Niu in an Instagram video during her team’s post-game celebration. “Red Panda, we love you,” Clark expressed, highlighting the solidarity within the sports community during a challenging time.
Niu is known not just for her talent but for her dedication to her craft, traveling alone with her set of tools and a unicycle that breaks down into four pieces for easy transport. Despite the setback, Figley assured followers that Niu is looking forward to returning to her performances when she is able.
As Niu embarks on her recovery journey, she remains a beloved figure in both the performing arts and sports communities, with fans eagerly anticipating her return to the spotlight.