THEY ARE TRUE ATHLETES in every sense of the word. But they are also performance artists. Recently they traveled from around the world to compete in the Freestyle Group Small category at Unicon 21 in Bemidji. That’s an international competition and championship for unicyclists.
I watched the athletes practice before performances began in the Bemidji State University gym on July 18. I saw seven teams perform their choreographed routines before I headed back to a cabin near Crosslake and then home the next morning. I wish I could have stayed longer, because these athletes put on quite a show.
Combining gymnastics, acrobatics and dance, these unicycle athletes had the crowd roaring, applauding, stomping. I was in awe of what they could do while maintaining their balance on one wheel.
The Tokyo Boys from Japan worked the crowd. They were about showmanship as much as performance in their black pants, white shirts, red jackets and bow ties. Popular boy band comparisons popped into my mind. The audience loved them. So did I.
Likewise, UniCircle Flow, also from Japan, was a personal favorite. The three female athletes in gauzy white dresses edged in blue twirled across the gym floor like ballerinas or figure skaters. It was easy to forget they were actually dancing on unicycles rather than on their feet. Their performance flowed with ease and grace, not what I would ever expect while unicycling.
I also watched several teams from Germany and a family of three from The Wonders Unicycle Club participate in the Freestyle group competition.
Every single unicyclist, every team, impressed me. To see this level of skill, this talent right here in Minnesota was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am grateful my unicycling son flew in from Boston to attend Unicon 21 and that his dad and I had to pick him up from Bemidji.
And to think the road to this international unicycling competition started many years ago when we gifted our then grade school son with a unicycle for Christmas. Oh, the choices we make…and where they lead.
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NOTE: Check back for more photos of the Freestyle Small Group competition and more as I continue my coverage of Unicon 21, held July 14-26 in northern Minnesota.
© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
wow, the spinning and synchronized riders-
Wow is a fitting reaction. They were impressive.
Nice recap and yes I saw some of it on TV certainly a mesmerizing performances all on one wheel no less.
I’m glad you were able to see some of the performances on TV. They were fantastic.
Thank you for sharing. This was completely new to me. What fun – how amazing.
You are welcome. I’m so glad I was able to see these gifted unicyclists from around the world.
What an amazing thing! One of my favorite chefs from the food network was at it, too- I wish I’d have known about it!
The event was pretty widely publicized, at least in the metro. But I can understand how you missed it. Maybe I saw your favorite chef. But I would have no idea given I get my TV reception from a rooftop antenna and have never watched the food network.
Wow! Amazing what they can do on those unicycles! What an experience for you to see them in person.
These unicyclists were incredible, Paulette.
Who would have thought this was possible? It all goes to show you that there are all kinds of sports out there. What fun!
Exactly, and even a sport I enjoyed.