HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PLAYING ROLLER DERBY?
I have been learning and playing roller derby for two and a half years, and I have had the best time doing it!
WHERE DID YOU FIRST COME ACROSS ROLLER DERBY, AND WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO TAKE IT UP?
A friend who skates with Blitz Dames kept telling me I would love the game and that it would suit my personality. When I turned 50 I wrote a status on Facebook, ‘Now what?’ And she replied ‘Roller Derby!’ I went to an intake session the next week, just to take a peek… and I was hooked instantly.
As a young person, I was sports mad. Unfortunately I gave it all up for fags, discotheques and general naughtiness when I got to about 17. In the 70s women in sport were seen as butch and unladylike, and being a strong athletic woman was not really encouraged.
Anyway roll forward 30 plus years and here I am at RDL having the time of my life!
WHAT OTHER SPORTS OR ACTIVITIES DO YOU ENJOY?
I enjoy weight training and hanging out in gyms, and doing the odd bit of swimming. These help me to keep strong and fit to participate in a full contact sport.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR DERBY NAME?
My derby name and number is Super Eagle 50. The Super Eagles are the Nigerian national football team. I am extremely proud of my heritage and I love football and the fact that their kit is green; my favourite colour!
WHAT POSITION DO YOU PLAY?
I am mostly a blocker, however I always pull on the star in training or at scrims, as it helps to develop me as a blocker knowing how a jammer operates on track.
ANY TIPS FOR SOMEONE JUST STARTING OUT IN ROLLER DERBY?
My top tip would be: Never give up. I look for a solution, I look for the positives. I’ve had a few setbacks since starting roller derby. Although tough at the time, I have gotten through them, and come out a better player/skater. Resilience is key to this game.
IF YOU HAD YOUR VERY OWN SKATE-OUT TUNE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Well it has to be the disco classic “I’m Every Woman”. Playing roller derby proves that I can do anything I put my mind to!’