Meet Team England: Missy Rascal

Name: Missy Rascal

League Affiliation: Rainy City Rollergirls

Years Skating: I have always loved skating and was involved in artistic roller skating from the age of 6-18. I spent a long time off skates apart from random spells of roller blading to work and then I found roller derby three years ago.

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

MR: Other than skating I enjoyed football (soccer), and was on my University team.

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

MR: It is the ultimate honour to be a part of your national team, so I had to go for it. I never really thought I would get on the squad when I applied, but I saw it as a challenge to work hard towards.

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

MR: It was amazing. After the final tryouts we were told we would receive an email the following day. I couldn’t sleep that night! When I read that I had made it onto the squad I was so excited. I can't wait to get to Toronto and experience being a part of the first world cup.

DL: Which skater inspires you most, and why?

MR: There's quite a few! Talented skaters who are dedicated to working hard and achieving their maximum potential inspire me to keep pushing myself. Skaters such as Stefanie Mainey, Kamikaze Kitten and Suzy Hotrod have definitely inspired me to train harder and try and be a better derby skater.

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

MR: Roller derby is a great team sport, and whatever skating or fitness level you begin at, be assured that if you are committed and allow your league to help, you will keep on improving. Most of all – it’s a lot of fun, so enjoy yourself!

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.