Roller Derby Stars Who Came Back From Injury
This article first appeared on rollerderbytraining.co.uk
When you get injured playing roller derby, you might worry that you’ll never get back on skates.
Whilst the road to recovery can be long and hard, the list below will show you that it is possible to get injured and go on to be a great skater.
What makes it more impressive about these athletes who’ve made a comeback is that, unlike injured professional athletes in the likes of the NFL or NBA, they don’t have a personal team of doctors, physios, psychologists and trainers to help them get back to fitness. These people have jobs, lives and limited funds. These guys are way more impressive.
Goregasm broke her ankle and leg in multiple places but has since gone on to be one half of Double Threat Skates and skate for London Brawl Saints and London Brawling!
Another London Roller Girl, AnDracula has broken both of her legs but returned and now plays for London Brawl Saints who are ranked second in Europe below their sister team, Brawling.
Luludemon suffered a broken neck and a shattered pelvis (in a non-derby incident!) but went on to become a Terminal City All Star, created Pivotstar clothing and Camp Pivotstar and made Team Canada in both the 2011 and 2014 Roller Derby World Cup!
Smack Daddy broke her leg, played 6 seasons with Montreal’s New Skids helping take them to 20th in WFTDA and represented Canada at the 2011 World Cup! Also, she posed for this photo.
Another Canadian who’s on this list, Kim Janna broke her ankle during The Big O in May. Not only is she back on skates but she helped Canada place 4th in the world in Dallas!
Everyone’s favourite Aussie, Swish Cariboom broke her ankle but came back “better than ever”, gave this hilariously awkward interview and helped make Victorian Roller Derby League world famous.
nother VRDL skater, Mad Mel Arena suffered a torn ACL, missing the 2014 Playoffs but returning for Champs. She then represented her country and fought for Australia’s third place position at the World Cup.
Shaolynn Scarlett, who skates for London Brawling, was taken off her skates when she broke her leg. But she then went on to not only play on the 6th best team in WFTDA, London Brawling, but also represented her country in 2011 and was picked as Team England Captain in the 2014 Roller Derby World Cup!
Kamikaze Kitten, arguably one of the most loved skaters in the world, suffered a separated shoulder and a partially torn quad but went on to become a legend in her own right. In the final jam of Kami’s final ever game, she scored an awesome 5 points for England against USA, making history and going out with a bang. Kami helped place England at 2nd in the world and secures her spot in the derby hall of fame. We’ll miss you Kami!
Reaper of Southern Discomfort has had a rash of injuries with a very memorable ankle injury at the Men’s Roller Derby World Cup. The Twitter world was very worried and hopeful that it wasn’t a break. Luckily, it was a sprain and Reaper has since returned — minus artistic skates — to skate with SoDisCo, ranking them at 5th in MRDA.
The legendary Jackie Daniels broke her fibula in two spots and severely sprained her ankle back in 2013. She was back on skates in an amazing 8 weeks and back to full fitness in five months. Jackie helped secured Windy City’s 10th place spot in WFTDA this year and was part of Team USA who took the number one position in this year’s World Cup.
Twinkle Toes from Your Mom’s Mens Roller Derby had knee surgery that kept him away from derby for 9 months, an actual 9 month injury! But he came back strong, sharing the stage with several Team USA skaters to fight for Your Mom’s win at the 2014 MRDC!
Scald Eagle broke her leg at ECDX a few years back but overcame injury to help take Rose City to second in WFTDA, losing by only 3 points to Gotham and securing her spot as one of the world’s best skaters. Scald Eagle’s infamous skill and power won her a place on Team USA who, incase you didn’t know, won this year’s World Cup in Dallas. Not bad I suppose.
BONUS
I cannot forget all of the inspirational skaters around the country who have broken and worked hard to get back on skates and play for Team Metal Legs! You guys might not be “household names” (yet) but you are pretty freaking cool and super brave. The same goes for anyone else out there that’s overcome The Fear and got back on skates, you rock.
I’d also like to extend my “I Think You’re Awesome” to all the people out there who got hurt and took the brave decision not to get back on skates, derby loves you and thanks you for ever having the guts to strap on a pair of skates.
Wherever you are on your injury journey, I wish you a speedy recovery!
If I’ve missed anyone or you’re a skater recovering or returning from injury, Tweet, Facebook or Instagramusing the #BrokenDerby!
Treble Maker 909 xx
P.S If you’re injured right now, this might be of use — 20 Things You Can Do Whilst Injured
