Photo: Getty Images
Popular unicycle performer 'Red Panda' was reportedly injured after taking a fall during the halftime show at the WNBA Commissioner's Cup championship game between the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx at Target Center on Tuesday (July 1), ESPN reports.
Red Panda, 55, whose real name is Rong 'Krystal' Niu, was reportedly taken to a hospital for evaluation, according to a WNBA source, however, no additional updates on her condition were provided. The acrobat gained notoriety for her popular halftime performances in which she sits 8 feet above ground and balances several bowls on her head, a routine that has been performed at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games nationwide for many years.
The Fever went on to defeat the Lynx, 74-59, to win the WNBA Commissioner's Cup Tuesday night. Injured Fever star Caitlin Clark gave a shoutout to Niu on teammate Syd Colson's Instagram Live stream during the team's locker room celebration.
"Red Panda, if you're watching, we love you," Clark said.
This story is brought to you by the Women's Sports Audio Network (WSAN). WSAN is the first-ever audio platform dedicated exclusively to women's sports. WSAN celebrates female athletes and gives an in-depth look into their personal experiences in and out of their respective sports. Check out more on the WSAN site.