Meet Team England: Shaolynn Scarlett

The 2011 World Cup takes place in Toronto, Canada from December 2-4. More information can be found on the World Cup website. We'd like to introduce you to another competing team - Team England.

Name: Shaolynn Scarlett

League Affiliation: London Rollergirls

Years Skating: 2 ½

DL: What was your previous athletic background, if any?

SS: Played rugby union for 5 years, and dabbled in most sports throughout my life.

DL: Why did you want to be on Team England?

SS: To make my mum proud.

DL: How did you feel when you found out you had made it as one of the top 20 skaters?

SS: Fantastic, but also quite daunting – to represent your country is a big deal and it’s a challenge to fit in around real life. But it is an amazing honour and I’m looking forward to it.

DL: Which skater inspires you most, and why?

SS: That’s a difficult one. The roller derby community is full of so many skaters who are so talented, whether it’s their natural skill, their ability to read the game, or purely the determination and drive they have to make them and their league succeed. But just because I’ve seen what she’s done for LRG, I will say Kamikaze Kitten. She is constantly pushing herself and LRG to get better, faster, stronger, cleverer, and without her LRG wouldn’t be where we are today. Anyone and everyone who sees her play notices her – whether you’re a derby novice or a derby expert – she gives it her all every single time, but always with a calm demeanour, always with a smile. Definitely someone to aspire to.

DL: Do you have any advice for skaters just starting out?

SS: Always cover the inside line. Never did anyone any harm.

You can follow Team England on Twitter (@TeamEnglandRD), facebook, or visit their website if you're interested in helping contribute funds to individual skaters or all of Team England to help them get to the 2011 World Cup.