Eighteen-year-old unicyclist Roger Trey Haun Mambora has become a sensation after winning a gold medal for Ghana at the World Unicycling Championships.
Born in the United States, Haun moved to Ghana with his parents and has since dedicated himself to unicycling. His passion for the sport, which involves cycling on a single wheel, has led him to achieve remarkable success at a young age. However, his journey to the top has been challenging.
Haun began competing internationally for Ghana at 16, securing medals and making history. In 2022, he won a bronze and a silver medal, becoming the first Ghanaian to reach the podium in unicycling on the global stage.
Haun honed his unicycling skills in the US and brought cycles to his hometown of Nalerigu in Ghana’s Northern Region, teaching locals the sport. Inspired by the skills displayed by athletes worldwide, Haun’s dedication has turned unicycling into both a competitive sport and a source of entertainment.
Perseverance has been key to Haun’s success. “The biggest thing I’ve learned about unicycling is to persevere. There are many times when I’m learning a trick, I will fall down, but I keep on trying and I get back. Because if I give up when I fall, I will never learn anything. So unicycling has really taught me perseverance,” he told 3Sports.
After his success in 2022, Haun was honored by Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo in Accra with the “Young Achievers & Innovators” award. His achievements have garnered attention and admiration from his fellow Ghanaians.
This year, at the World Unicycling Championships, Haun secured a gold medal in the Stillstand event and a bronze medal in the 30m Wheelwalk competition. His victories have made him a symbol of inspiration and growth for the sport in Ghana, particularly in the Northern Region.
At just 18, Haun has much to offer to Ghana and Africa. His success has inspired young individuals in Nalerigu to train and aspire to a career in unicycling, a sport previously uncommon in Ghana.
Many young American athletes of African descent are also likely to follow Haun’s path to glory as unicycling gains popularity in Africa.
