“Roller derby is like nuclear warfare; there are no winners, only survivors.”
~Sheila Constantine, writing for Harper’s Magazine
Although most people believe Roller Derby is a present-day phenomenon, the reality is it’s seriously old school. Dating back to the mid-1930’s, Roller Derby has its roots in “athletic cinema”–a brilliant creation of theater and athleticism designed to draw huge, boisterous crowds. According to a February 03, 1936 Time Magazine article, the first four U.S. Derby matches drew crowds in excess of 10,000 each.
In 1945, Roller Derby would be forever immortalized in a short film entitled, Roller Derby Girls. Nominated for an Oscar, this short-reel provided important sociological insight into the personalities of the women who participated in the sport and ultimately served to legitimize of the sport as whole.
More than six decades after its introduction to American sports fans, Roller Derby remains alive and well in the U.S.
A Jammer for the Omaha Roller Girls laces her skate during a quick trip to the penalty box. In a raucous and intense battle, the Omaha Roller Girls annihilated the Mid-Iowa Rollers 126-75.
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