DRD Spotlight - Edna Ken

SKATE NAME: Edna Ken |NUMBER: 57 | SKATING SINCE: 2016

How did you hear about Roller Derby and the DRD?

I very originally heard about roller derby through the film Whip-It and immediately wanted to get involved in the sport. Unfortunately it was a few years later before I was in a position to attend a newbies taster session.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your derby time?

Completing minimum skills was a big challenge, in particular getting the elusive 27/5 which took a lot of perseverance and too many failed attempts to count.

Any advice for people thinking about getting involved with derby?

Just do it! Seriously though, come along to a taster session, there will be plenty of friendly faces to take you under their wings and show you the ropes. It doesn't matter if the last time you skated was with a pair of Barbie skates in the 80's, we will teach you everything (even how to fall over safely)! What have you go to lose?

Three words to describe derby to you?

Inclusive, challenging and fun.

What position do you skate in?

I am a jack of all trades, master of none. To be honest after a year of not being allowed to skate, I can't actually remember what position I played in the last game. I seem to remember enjoying jamming at one point though?

How does derby impact the rest of your life?

Roller derby is a huge stress reliever in my life. It wasn't until roller derby was taken away from me that I truly realised how much of a release it gave me, especially after a stressful week at work. I cannot wait to return to skating and I will definitely not take it for granted again!

If you could have any job in the world what would it be?

I have always fancied being Tigger at Disney land.

Motivational quote?

"There are no more zero days. What's a zero day? A zero day is when you don't do a single thing towards whatever dream or goal or want or whatever that you got going on. No more zeros! I'm not saying you gotta bust an essay out every day, that's not the point. The point I'm trying to make is that you have to make yourself, promise yourself, that the new SYSTEM you live in is a NON-ZERO system. Didn't do anything all day and it's 11.58 PM? Write one sentence. One pushup. Read one page of that chapter. One. Because one is non zero." - a random dude called Ryan on Reddit.

Any other hobbies outwith roller derby?

It pains me to call it a hobby but I have taken up running over the last year. It's not as fun as derby but it fills the time and keeps me fit and I am slowly beginning to hate it less.

Is there any podcast you love to listen to?

I'm not sure it counts as a podcast but I have been listening to a lot of Soft White Underbelly on Spotify. It's a series of interviews documenting the life and struggles of some of the most vulnerable people living in Skid Row, Los Angeles. It is a real eye opener!

Favourite TV programme atm?

Snow Piercer! Love me an apocalyptic drama!

Who do you choose for next month's DRD spotlight and why?

Ellin (Seaton) - she has held the league together during a very difficult year by organising and taking weekly fitness sessions on Zoom. She has stepped outside her comfort zone to ensure that the league can still train and maintain their fitness levels during lockdown. I appreciate everything she does for the league.