TAHMOOR’S Jaryd Harris likes to get around on just one wheel and for this passion he has earned 12 Australian records.
The 16-year-old unicyclist recently returned from his third Australian National Unicycle Championships, in Melbourne, with 11 first places and four records.
“This year at nationals I lost four records, but then in the opens I gained another four, so I still have 12 records all together,” he said.
Harris first mounted a unicycle in 2008 when he needed a talent to be able to gain a place at his school of choice – Campbelltown Performing Arts High. His sister’s friend taught him the ropes just two weeks before his audition, but Harris was a natural and picked up the skill easily.
Harris – who juggles his plumbing apprenticeship, part-time job at McDonald’s and his passion for riding – now tries to dedicate at least an hour most days to unicycle training.
When he visits the national competitions he enters a variety of events, including freestyle and obstacle, street, basketball and the one-footed discipline.
He also meets with a group of fellow unicycle lovers each week and is keen to teach others. “Our main goal is just to have fun and inspire others to give it a go and teach them what we know,” he said.
Details: jaryd-harris.info/
Macarthur Chronicle April 2012
Campbelltown student wins unicycle comp
OTHER kids may have given Campbelltown Performing Arts High School student Jaryd Harris grief for being a one-wheeled wonder, but the 15-year-old has had the last laugh after being crowned the Australia’s best unicyclist.
The Tahmoor resident is not only officially Australia’s fastest human on one wheel (using both one and two legs), but is also the best basketballer, hockey player and relay competitor.
GALLERY: Champion unicyclist Jaryd Harris
Pedalling at the Unicycle National Championships in Canberra from October 1 to 4, Harris said it was an incredible feeling to be number one in the county.
“It was my first time in the opens event, and it was unexpected for me to win ,” Harris said.
“I went in every event which got me points. I was placed well in some of these events which also helped me get there.”
As a junior, Harris has 10 Australian records and holds 17 Australian titles.
But although he’s the best in his field, he still cops flak from others not accustomed to getting around on one wheel.
“It’s difficult and hard because everyone’s looking at you and other people are talking to you when you’re riding,” he said.
“Some people are just ignorant. The way I see it people who use push bikes are on training wheels.”
Harris now has his sights on the Asia Pacific Games in South Korea in August next year, as well as another competition in Italy in 2012.
With his profile growing, he also has a swag of sponsors and his own website: jaryd-harris.info
Mum Lyn Harris said he didn’t think he stood a chance of winning any events in the open field
“He was happy to compete and to place if at all possible,” she said.
“We have been in absolute shock since the announcement.
“Jaryd has made us so very proud and exceeded everyone’s expectations. I can’t be any happier.”
