Roller Derby World Cup 2018

On February 1st 2018, the Roller Derby World Cup rolled into Manchester. Team Japan had chosen me as their official photographer, which meant I got centre track access to all the games (and priority on any games in which they played). It was an incredible four days, and a week later, I still feel like I haven’t fully recovered (even having managed to escape the dreaded lurgy from thousands of people bringing stuff my immune system isn’t prepped to cope with into one place).

I don’t know how to talk about the World Cup. It was an amazing experience, and tiring, and wonderful, and stressful, and exciting, and long, but also too short. I was happy when it was over, but also wishing it wasn’t!

I think the only way I can explain the brilliance of RDWC is how I saw it, through my own eyes. So, these are some of my favourite photos from the weekend, and how they represent about what I love about roller derby…

Smiles and Celebrations

Between teams and team-mates, roller derby is full of celebrations, and that’s one of the things that makes it so magical for me. It’s a competitive sport, and yet full of smiles, even for opponents.

The Fearleaders

Austrian cheerleaders in extremely tight neon outfits pulling off some stunning choreography… even more spectacular in person.

The Audiences

Roller derby crowds have a wonderful way of making me grin, whether it’s their enthusiasm, or just their costumes…

Positivity

And sparkle. So much sparkle.

Roller derby will change the world

Star-spotting

Getting to see people like Scald Eagle and Stefanie Mainey skate, feet away from me = \(*ᴗ*)/

This Block

I didn’t see it coming, but I am so glad that I had my finger on the shutter when it did!

Last but not least: the Officials and Volunteers!

Because without them, it wouldn’t have happened.

2 Replies to “Roller Derby World Cup 2018”

  1. […] weekend’s challenge was to brave using flash. I did take my speedlite along to the Roller Derby World Cup, but whilst I lucked out and had a trigger that didn’t clash with anyone else’s, it […]

  2. […] me, and for photography in general – but what a year it’s been! I’ve shot for the Roller Derby World Cup, and two inaugural European tournaments: EuroCup in April, hosted by my own league, Rainy City […]

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