Roller Derby Player Zoe Didn't Let a Broken Leg Seal her Fate
7th Dec 2017
Zoe Van Brederode moved to Melbourne to pursue her dream of playing roller derby at a high level. However, when a broken leg took her out of action, that dream slipped further away. Determined to stay positive, she has found other ways to keep herself fit, healthy, and ready to return to the track once more.
The 27-year old Townsville native works in a busy, full time role as a legal secretary and spends a lot of her free time getting acquainted with her adoptive home city, but her health and fitness remain a priority.
“I would say my lifestyle is busy! I am constantly on the go and not at home very often.”
For Zoe, it’s all about fitting exercise in wherever she can, which means she prefers to skip the traffic on her commute to work.
“If the weather is nice I will either walk or skate (to work)…it is Melbourne after all!
As well as taking RollerFit classes and seeing a personal trainer, she likes to squeeze in a lunch break workout when she can.
“I’m loving Pilates Reformer at the moment for a good midday break, and to help open up all those muscles from being at a desk all day!”
So how does Zoe prioritise staying healthy and looking after her body, despite her busy schedule? She says preparation is key, both for exercising and fuelling her body well.
“I have usually meal prepped my dinners, or I will cook up something easy. My go to at the moment is a stir-fry with tonnes of veggies!”
Before she hits the hay she always prepares for the next day, setting out clothes, gym gear and her skates.
This discipline might come from her sporty background – growing up, she played every sport she could get her hands on.
“I’ve played sports and been active my whole life - you name it, I’ve probably tried it!"
Throughout her childhood and teen years, Zoe tried her hand tae-kwando, soccer, gymnastics, sailing, kite surfing, running, tennis, and just hitting the gym. But none of them stuck for too long – until she found roller derby.
“I never really found one that I had the passion for until roller derby.”
Many athletes experience the frustration and helplessness of being out due to injury, but Zoe doesn’t let it get her down.
“I still skate for fun (street skates, attempting parks) and I do RollerFit two times a week.”
Zoe acknowledges the sacrifices she’s made for her sport – everything from breaking her leg, to every aspect being entirely self-funded, to simply not having time for her friends outside the sport.
“Playing derby takes its toll in lots of ways - financially, time, your body, friends.”
All the same, she says the positives are worth it – especially after relocating to Melbourne to skate with the Victorian Roller Derby League, currently ranked #1 in the world.
“The opportunities are endless…I was able to travel to America last year and play with the Queen Bees; I have had the chance to play in tournaments all over Australia.”
While she cites the Victorian Roller Derby All Stars among the women she finds most inspirational, she is quick to add to this list.
“You know what, there are inspiring women in every league across Australia. They aren’t always the best or the most well known but they are dedicated on and off the track. They work their asses off behind the scenes, to keep little leagues running, to help build up and encourage others.”
This is something Zoe is sure of – one of the best parts of playing roller derby is the people.
“I made some of the best life-long friends through roller derby.
“Being a part of a sport that is more like a family of inspiring people, it’s like you have a family member in every part of the world.”
Images provided by Zoe Van Brederode.