Dolly of the Month: January 2018: Fayetal
Fayetal 44
Congratulations on being our Dolly of the month – how do you feel about this amazing accolade?
Oh wow, what a complete surprise!! I feel dead chuffed and really honoured
You are about to graduate to be an advanced player, what encouragement do you have for newer skaters who want to follow in your footsteps?
There are times when you might feel like you’re not making any progress. You’re attend the training week on week but still feel you’re not achieving anything…..hang on in there, it does get better. Having gone through this a number of times I’ve come to recognise and accept there will be highs and lows. It’s a case of riding the low times as there will be good times to come.
What do you want to learn / improve to get yourself to extra badass level?
I’d love to learn more specific jammer skills: Accelerating away from the pack quicker, duking and being faster and more stable at transitions.
Photo by Anja Wettergren
What is it that drew you to roller derby in the first place?
A friend was given a flyer by one of the Dollies at a community event. She asked me if I’d be interested in going along to a session with her. I’d never even heard of Roller Derby, but when she said that it involved playing a physical sport on skates I was really intrigued.
After the first training session I was hooked. The skating was great and everyone made me feel very welcome.
You seem to like jamming a lot, what is it about jamming that makes it so great for you?
Being a jammer is what I enjoy the most. I love the challenge of trying to get through the blockers!! I find it easier to focus on just one thing rather than blocking where there seems to be so much more to think about.
Being blasted by her Husband and Son
Who is the skater you dread meeting on track the most?
Krips. She is so strong and seems to block all the gaps that I need to get past.
When you are not being a roller derby super hero what do you get up to?
Being a parent to two boys takes up a lot of my time but as they are getting older and more independent I do get time to run twice a week and until very recently I was managing and playing in a cricket team too. I also volunteer for the local cricket club that my sons play for.
Had you ever done sports before you took up roller derby?
I suppose I’ve always classed myself as a “sporty” person. Throughout my life I have been involved in some form of sport. I’ve played football, hockey and rugby to name a few!!
If you can tell someone new to derby just 3 things – what would they be?
1 Fun
2 Physical
3 Friends
