Emily Reid, AKA Bloctopus, sole Tasmanian representing Australia in Roller Derby World Cup

Emily Reid’s the only Tasmanian on the 20-person Australian team heading to the Roller Derby World Cup and there is one massive reason she fell in love with sport.

Emily Reid has been named in the Australian World Roller Derby team to compete later this year in Europe. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

As soon as she laced up her skates, Emily Reid knew she found her calling.

Ms Reid first took up roller derby after being egged on by a friend in 2016.

In the years since, she has become a coach with the Hobart-based Convict City Rollers, and in July will head to Innsbruck, Austria to represent Australia in the Roller Derby World Cup.

Ms Reid, also known by her roller derby name ‘Bloctopus’, is the only Tasmanian in the 20-person Australian team – an honour she received with both nervousness and excitement.

“More than anything I’m keen to play in that atmosphere,” she said.

“It will be next level.”

Emily Reid has been named in the Australian World Roller Derby team to compete later this year in Europe. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

It was the inclusiveness and diversity within the small yet mighty roller derby community that made her fall in love with the contact sport.

“In the first game I watched everybody just looked fierce and cool, and I wanted to give it a try,” she said.

“Unlike most sports, everybody can have success in roller derby.

“There are all different body types, heights, sizes, and something will always be beneficial to the sport.”

But Ms Reid stressed the training required to excel was no mean feat, with most of the athletes committing to a cross fit regimen outside of regular sessions at the Convict City track.

“You need skating skills, strength and speed but it’s very strategic as well,” she said.

“It’s a little like chess, you can play different moves at different parts.”

Their league currently sits in 11th place nationally and 119th globally in the Women’s Flat Tack Derby Association ranking.

Ms Reid was keen for the sport to evolve locally.

“We’ve put a great team together, and serious talent.”