Chris is a wheel champ

BY PIP COLE

Next time you pass a teenager on one wheel, take a close look because you could be looking at a world champion.

Chris Huriwai of Otaua lives every boy's dream - travelling the world doing a sport he loves.

Having recently taken out first prize in the street division at the Unicycle World Championships in Wellington, the 17-year-old already has his sights set on keeping his title in Italy in 2012.

The street competition involves unicyclists performing tricks on urban obstacles such as ledges, handrails and stairs with technical proficiency, style and creativity.

Winning the competition makes Chris Northland's first world champion for 2010 and New Zealand's first world champion street unicyclist.

But Chris is not new to winning. He has competed and won medals in competitions across Australasia for all kinds of unicycle competitions.

"Unicycling events have all the track and field codes," he says. "They range from high jump and long jump to relays and sprints."

Chris first got into competitions when he searched online for various things involving unicycles. "To compete was just a goal for me," he says.

Chris is a familiar sight on his unicycle to Kaikohe locals.

He has practised around town nearly every day since he bought his first unicycle four years ago.

"I saw some friends doing it and just thought it looked cool."

A few broken bones later and Chris had himself a sponsor, Kris Holm.

He now cycles for his current sponsor Koxx One.

With unicycle prices ranging from $100 to $1000, Chris says a sponsor is a huge help.

"My first unicycle was $100 from The Warehouse, but I'm pretty sure they don't sell them any more."

Besides unicycling, Chris is just a modest everyday teenager.

He has a Bebo page, a Facebook page, does martial arts and loves cheese pizza.

He attributes his success to practice and great support.

"My family and girlfriend Kathleen are really supportive, but I don't know if that's just because I'm good," he says.

- © Fairfax NZ News