Wesley Williams, a performer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, is known as the “One Wheel Wonder” for his talent in riding the tallest rideable unicycle in the world, standing at 34.6 feet tall. Williams’ interest in performing was sparked at a young age when he received a unicycle for Christmas and attended a circus show in his hometown. Starting with birthday parties as a child, Williams slowly worked his way up to performing at high-level shows around the world before catching the eye of Kenneth Feld, the CEO of Feld Entertainment, which operates Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. Williams credits his success to always pushing himself to find new challenges and never settling for what he has achieved so far.
Playing a major role in the Ringling show, Williams rides a variety of unique unicycles, but his biggest accomplishment is breaking a record every day by performing on the 34.6-foot unicycle. While the height may not be new for Williams, the feeling of being three stories in the air never gets old, as he must always respect the risk involved in his performance. Despite the daily routine, Williams is constantly inspired by the thrill and adrenaline of performing something that the audience has never seen before. He emphasizes the importance of remembering the excitement of seeing the circus for the first time, as he hopes to create that same joy and wonder for the audience each day.
For Williams, the circus provides a space where people can forget their problems and simply have fun for a couple of hours. He believes that the show is a way to escape the challenges of modern life and enjoy a unique experience filled with excitement and entertainment. Williams is continually on the lookout for new and interesting acts that he can incorporate into his performances, always striving to push himself to new heights. He believes that constantly seeking out challenges and looking for the next opportunity is key to becoming the best performer possible.
Reflecting on his journey, Williams acknowledges that his career in the circus was inspired by a single show he attended as a child, which set him on the path to becoming a performer. Today, Williams finds joy in inspiring others who come to see the circus, providing them with a sense of wonder and escape from their daily lives. He recognizes the importance of capturing that initial excitement and joy that comes with experiencing something new, and he aims to create that same feeling for his audience each time they attend the show. Through his dedication and passion for performing, Williams continues to amaze and inspire those around him while always seeking out new challenges and opportunities for growth.
