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Here, Blizzard talks to Guide2Bristol about the sport she loves and tells us about representing her home country Finland in the inaugural Roller Derby World Cup which takes place in Toronto, Canada from the 1st – 4th December 2011.

Hello Blizzard! How long have you been skating, and what first drew you to roller derby?

I put on quad skates for the first time in spring 2010. I did, however have the foundations for skating and good balance – I am Finnish, and we learn ice skating at school. During the winter in my early teens, we used to spend time at the rink slamming the puck and skating about. Since my late teens I've had inline skates, but I rarely went out on them due to lack of company.

I first heard about roller derby in early 2008. My friends had set up a league, but I’d just moved to another city and was missing out on all the fun. After a couple of years of being gutted about it, I took the big step in spring 2010 of getting a league running in Bristol with some like-minded girls – it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.

What do you think that Bristol Roller Derby brings to the local community?

We bring you a fantastic and different sports experience, whether you're watching or taking part. We truly love our fans. We've enabled people from non-sporty backgrounds to turn into athletes. With an enthusiastic, do-it-yourself spirit we’ve made great stuff happen.

How has the sport had a positive impact on your life?

I now have a massive circle of friends, including people I haven't even met yet – roller derby brings us together. I've become enthusiastic about fitness, the sport and getting better at both. I used to be an on-off smoker, but that’s now long gone. I eat much better. These positive changes have just happened naturally with me becoming involved in a sport.

Where did you first hear about the roller derby world cup, and how did you go about trying out for Team Finland?

I travelled to Finland at Christmas 2010, and took my skates with me so that I could go skating on my holidays. I got talking to one of the Team Finland co-ordinators there, and she told about the upcoming try-outs. I’d been skating as long as most other skaters in Finland, so I was feeling quite positive about it – but also very nervous. I registered and then went to the try-out day, which included an interview, a written test and some skating practice in teams.

How does it feel to be representing your country?

I can hardly describe how it felt to be accepted – it was amazing! I feel very privileged, and it’s an amazing opportunity. I’m very proud of being part of a team that’s representing my home country in an international sports competition. I cannot think past that date – currently it’s the ultimate goal of my derby career.

Has the World Cup training been hardcore?

We haven’t had many opportunities to train together; it's been more about personal development. I've attended as many practices as I can with my Bristol league, training some three to four times a week.

During the past year I've played ten bouts (matches), gaining valuable experience – at the World Cup we may be required to play two or three bouts per day! I've watched a lot of derby and done visual exercises where I imagine myself doing a certain move – research shows it works! Even though I haven't seen my world cup team much, we’ve kept in touch online, talked tactics a lot and done periodical fitness testing.

The Roller Derby World Cup kicks off in Toronto on 1 December. For some roller derby action closer to home Bristol Roller Derby’s Harbour Harlots take on South West Angels of Terror at I Love Block 'N Roll on 4th December at WISE campus, Filton.

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