Before joining The Great Moscow Circus, Cody Harrington was diving head first into an international career as a juggler.
It was late 2019, and as one of the world’s best, he was part of a touring show in Belarus and China.
He was oblivious to what was happening in the outside world, unaware of the emerging coronavirus outbreak that would change the globe.
At the end of the show in China, he knew he and girlfriend Megan – also a circus performer – would have to return home to Australia. The world’s loss was the local circus’s gain.
“I though that was my big break,” he said.
“The next best opportunity was here, at The Great Moscow Circus. The show has kept as many international performers as they can, and they’ve gained the best Australian performers. It’s one of the best shows I’ve seen.”
Cody grew up in the circus, but attended “normal” school, and was able to play cricket at state junior level for New South Wales.
At around 15, he sustained an injury and took to juggling. He’d always juggled cricket balls, but he took his new craft to the halls of the school.
“I was just known as the juggling guy, it was second nature to me. I was the circus kid,” he said.
He says his overseas experience has taught him the art of performing.
“I always had the tricks. At school I’d draw stick figures to illustrate the tricks I wanted to perform,” he said. “But I needed to develop the confidence to perform, and my improvement rate since I was 16 has been amazing.”
Cody juggles nine rings. He wants to do 11 because only one other Australian has reached that level. He also wants to reach nine clubs – that would equal the world record.
“Other jugglers do gimmicky things, but I want to be the best at what I do and be known for my skills,” he said.
Cody also has a handy golf swing. He plays of a 3 handicap.
