Skater of the Month - Bomb Chelle

NAME: Bomb Chelle

NUMBER: 2959

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I had wanted to try roller derby ever since I saw it on an episode of CSI New York. I looked into teams in Edinburgh when I lived there but I was too scared to go along, then when I moved back to Dundee a year passed November I decided to sign-up. In February last year I saw the taster sessions advertised so bit the bullet and came along, and have loved it ever since.

Tell us about your derby name and number?

I struggled with a derby name and only decided on Bomb Chelle a few weeks ago. It was actually my friend Suzanne's suggestion and the more I thought about it the more I liked it. I can be a little explosive sometimes so I think it suits me, and it’s a play on my name (Michelle). My number is very special to me as it’s my dad’s day and year of birth. He has always been there for me supports me in everything I do.

What is your skate gear of choice?

My skate gear is a bit of a miss-match, but I decided to get gear that fitted me as a skater rather than sticking to one brand. Currently my skates are R3s with fugitive 93 wheels. I have Smith purple leopard print wrist guards, and 187 Killer Pro knee pads and elbow pads. I am currently on the lookout for a new helmet but as I have a very small head I’m finding this a little difficult.

Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?

Before I started derby I lost quite a bit of weight and I took up running as a way to exercise. I ran a 5k and 10k two years ago, and have tried to maintain this. I also recently took up kickboxing which I love, and I also love to go climbing at least once a week.

Climbing definitely helps with derby because it’s all about balance, using your centre of gravity, and having a strong core.

What is your position of choice?

Currently I don't have a position of choice as I only had my first scrim a week ago. I think I like pivot as I am bossy and can't help organising people and telling them what to do. I did try jamming and I was very scared but hopefully it will get easier and I will enjoy it more.

Which teams have you skated with?

I am a total newbie so have only skated in the New Town Rookie Scrim as a very proud member of Team Black.

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

As I have not had any real experience in this area I would like to start the ritual of eating Flight Risks home made cookies and having a wee singalong to Taylor Swift.

How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?

Hmmmm… my style at the moment is trying to get through a scrim without dying. Hopefully I will find my own style in time.

What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?

I am a Cancer Audit Facilitator with the NHS and it’s quite a tough job at times, and derby for me is a great way to de-stress and forget about the day. I love derby and tell everyone about it all the time, it has definitely had a massive impact on me.

Moving back to Dundee was hard and meeting all the amazing skaters at derby made it so much easier. I have made a lot of friends through derby.

Favourite motivational quote?

“Pain is just weakness leaving the body.”

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

This has been very difficult for me because there have been so many people who have helped me in my derby journey but I have decided on one of my fellow newbies. She has helped me so much, she is always positive, fun, motivational and works extremely hard. She also makes amazing cookies so my Skater of the Month is Flight Risk #713 (George Patterson).