GUELPH – Team Canada Junior Roller Derby’s female team captured bronze medals at the Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Valence, France on July 31.
The team includes two Guelph players – Katherine McLean or “Skatie McPain,” and Tess Charlton, or “Tornado.”
McLean also skates for Canada’s Open gender team, that placed fourth in the Open competition.
The event was hosted outside of North America for the first time in its history, on July 28-30, 2023.
A total of nine teams competed for the top prize in each division. Canada’s team included 35 youth athletes with five hybrid skaters who competed on both teams.
“A third and fourth place finish for this hybrid team of 35 kids who practiced twice before this weekend is outstanding,” says head coach Caroline “Meow” Reimer.
“Our athletes did the work with the tools we gave them and we are so proud of this win.”
Junior roller derby is played in leagues across Canada, for ages 12 to 18.
“We are a small sport with a lot of heart, and it is amazing to see our athletes recognized on the world stage,” said Jennifer Zammit, president of the Junior Roller Derby Association of Canada. “We hope this attention attracts more youth to try out the sport and grow our community across Canada.”
Team members were selected from across the country, from British Columbia to Eastern Canada.
