Team ZA bumps shoulders with the best in the world
NGN talks to local Roller Derby athelte, Szerdi Nagy, about competing in her first World Cup.
HISTORY was made at the recent Blood & Thunder Roller Derby World Cup as the first team from South Africa, and the African continent, took to the concrete floors of the Dallas Convention Center in Texas.
It was only the second international derby tournament of its kind. The first took place in Toronto in 2011, where USA nabbed the gold in an overwhelming sweep.
Because the sport is not recognised by the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC), the team competed under the name of Team ZA.
Northglen News caught up with local athlete, Szerdi Nagy (aka Julia Seize-Her), who talked to us about her involvement in the global showpiece. Despite losing all three of their group games, Nagy said she would not trade her experiences in the Lone Star State for anything.
“It was an absolutely incredible experience. Seeing strong women from 30 countries all sharing something that they love, despite language and cultural barriers, was amazing. Playing internationally was a huge eye opener, but was also a chance to get to know the international derby community (who are amazingly supportive).
“Getting to know the girls in our team from all over South Africa also did so much to unify and strengthen roller derby in the country. We learnt so much: game play, strategy, how to communicate and the importance of positive reinforcement as a team. We were also lucky enough to skate in two bootcamps hosted by some of the best skaters in the world,” she said.
Team ZA took on Norway, New Zealand and Wales, all of which had a wealth of experience over the newly formed team.
“This is a strange thing to say, but we loved every second of our beatings. We were put in a very strong pool of teams which all had extensive international experience, but to be honest, that was probably better as you learn way more playing stronger teams than you do playing teams of your level,” she said.
Nagy said she was blown away by the fantastic support from SA fans.
“Our fans were incredible. We had a team of South African flag-cape-wearing and lion-head-wearing supporters who made such a difference to us. But pretty much all the teams not playing at any one time would come and cheer the other teams on,” she said.
The sport’s growth is so promising that event organiser, Blood & Thunder magazine, is planning to hold the World Cup every other year. There are currently 1 515 amateur leagues around the world, up from just 50 in 2006 (according to derby roster.com).
