Picking up where we left off… In 1935 the first Transcontinental Derby took place with 20,000 people watching the action. Two-person teams, one man and one woman would skate 57,000 laps on a flat track. Totalling roughly 2,700 miles, on average a single marathon lasted 3 weeks.
Realizing that this is a bit repetitive, Seltzer and sportswriter Damon Runyon created the structure of roller derby.
So now the game has taken on rules and regulations and because I get asked this frequently… what are the rules?!
Here is a short video explaining, enjoy.
It’s a physical and mental game to say the least, you really have to be on your A game with eyes on the back of your head.
Once the sport had gained momentum and popularity, not only for the full contact, high drama that was portrayed on TV, think WWE with “feuds” that would last weeks for the viewers pleasure. But also for the equality that was very evident, in no other sport were men and women viewed as equals. Where women could be themselves fully and fans of all ages and genders flocked to their tv’s or the local tracks to cheer on their favorite teams and skaters.
However the once beloved, intense sport came to a screeching halt with seemingly no reason.
Tomorrow we will dive into the revival of the sport!
