Two Victoria-area teens have been selected to represent Canada at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Brisbane, Australia in July.
Chloe Crotty, 17, (known by the derby name Tuffy) and Teaghan Dillon, 18, (known as Kitty Catapult) were chosen as members of Team Canada Junior after a highly competitive try-out process in October.
The athletes have played roller derby for the Rotten Apples, the junior team of Victoria’s Eves of Destruction Roller Derby League, since they were 11, and have both served as captain. Both were also members of BC’s provincial team, West Coast Spirit, last season, with Crotty as co-captain.
The Rotten Apples team was formed in 2011 and includes 32 skaters ages 10 to 18.
“This took years of hard work and dedication,” says Crotty. “I feel so grateful for the opportunity to represent Canada with one of my closest friends.”
Roller derby is a roller skating contact sport played on an oval track by two teams of five skaters. A 60-minute roller derby game, or bout, is a series of two-minute timed jams. Each team, typically with a roster of 15, fields five skaters during each jam: one jammer, designated with a star on their helmet, and four blockers.
“The team is a safe space for youth to come who maybe don’t feel welcome in other sports,” says Kiana McKinstry, coach for the Rotten Apples.
“It gives them the opportunity to be themselves, while also getting the benefits and skills of being on a sports team—exercise, teamwork and friendships. Roller derby is a sport that is inclusive and diverse, creating a welcoming space for people of all ages.”
During each jam, players skate counterclockwise on a circuit track. The jammer scores a point for each opposing blocker they lap. The blockers simultaneously defend by hindering the opposing jammer, while also playing offense by maneuvering to aid their own jammer.
“I’m very proud to be representing our country on an international level,” says Dillon. “It takes serious physical and mental training and a lot of heart.”
Team Canada will face teams from around the world, including the United States, France, Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain. The Rotten Apples have a track record of success at the World Cup, with former teammate Naomi “Scream Soda” Morrell captaining Team Canada to a bronze medal in 2023.
“I’ve watched these two grow up playing roller derby. Achieving their dream of joining Team Canada is a testament to their hard work, determination and passion for the sport,” says McKinstry.
“Team Canada is so lucky to have them both, and I will be cheering them on every step of the way.”
Competing on the international stage in roller derby is an expensive undertaking. Athletes pay their own expenses, from new uniforms, to professional-level gear, to food, transportation and lodging during the World Cup.
Crotty and Dillon have set up a GoFundMe page to help raise the funds they need to compete in the World Cup.
