Denis Frisoli
 Frisoli in 1982 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Born | Denis M. Frisoli February 25, 1959 Edison, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Died | January 1, 2009 (aged 49) |
| Sport | |
| Country |  United States |
| Sport | Unicycling |
Denis M. Frisoli (February 25, 1959 – January 1, 2009) was an American unicyclist.[1][2] He gained national attention to the American public for holding the world record for riding a unicycle at a height of 35 ft (11 m) in 1981. His world record unicycle ride was referred as the "Tower of Death" by multiple sources.
Life and career
[edit]Frisoli was born in Edison, New Jersey, the son of Pasquale and Louise Frisoli. He had four brothers.[3] At the age of thirteen, he began riding a unicycle.[4] He was an 8th degree black belt in kickboxing and taekwondo.[3] In 1978, he graduated from J. P. Stevens High School in his hometown.[5] According to The Star-Ledger, he worked in his brother's bicycle store.[4]
At the age of 21, Frisoli gained national attention in 1981, by holding the world record for riding a unicycle at a height of 35 ft (11 m). According to the Courier News, his world record was verified as the "highest unassisted unicycle ride" by Rea Anders,[6] but was not recognized by the Guinness World Records. His world record unicycle ride was referred as the "Tower of Death" by multiple sources.[7][8] He previously attempted to break the world record in 1980.[4]
In 1982, Frisoli rode the "Tower of Death" during a half-time show in front of 27,000 spectators at the New York Cosmos-Edmonton Drillers soccer match at Giants Stadium. He received multiple injuries after he fell from a height of 35 feet (11 m), including fracturing his right arm, though afterwards he expressed more concern about how his unicycle survived the incident.[9][10][8]
Death
[edit]Frisoli was found dead in his family's basement on January 1, 2009. He was 49 years old.[11]
References
[edit]- ↑ "Unicyclist fails to become big wheel". The Courier-News. Bridgewater, New Jersey. August 2, 1980. p. 2. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Sixers High on Frisoli Act". Philadelphia Daily News. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. November 13, 1981. p. 96. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 "Denis Frisoli". Costello-Runyon Funeral Homes. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
- 1 2 3 "A unicyclist rides high on his wheel of fortune". The Star-Ledger. Newark, New Jersey. August 21, 1980. p. 57. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Sanders, Laura. "JP Stevens grads called upon for commitment to equality", Home News Tribune, June 21, 1978. Accessed July 13, 2026.
- ↑ "Unicyclist holds world stunt record". The Courier-News. Bridgewater, New Jersey. April 7, 1981. p. 2. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "Unicyclist aloft 7 minutes, looks down on world record". The Central New Jersey Home News. New Brunswick, New Jersey. August 21, 1980. p. 29. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Lutton, Jack. "A 35-foot fall puts unicyclist in the hospital", Home News Tribune, June 29, 1982. Accessed July 13, 2026, via Newspapers.com, "Edison - After falling 35 feet to the ground from atop his unicycle, Denis Frisoli, 23, of Homestead Road, expressed more concern for the well being of his unicycle than himself. Frisoli fell Sunday while appearing before 27,000 spectators during the half-time show at the Cosmos soccer game in Giants Stadium, East Rutherford."
- ↑ "Dennis Frisoli of Edison, N.J., received multiple injuries Sunday..." United Press International. June 27, 1982. Retrieved July 12, 2026.
- ↑ "Cosmos game unicyclist injured in 35½ foot tumble". The Record. Hackensack, New Jersey. June 28, 1982. p. 25. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "In the heights: Denis Frisoli and the 'Tower of Death'". The Courier-News. May 14, 2009. p. 17. Retrieved July 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.