Kim King and Frankie Romero names are M.U.D.D. A nurse and manager by day, but by night? These two leave the normal behind and lace up and lash out against others of their kind. Roller Derby Dames! And don't call Kim ...Kim. Her wheeled alter-ego is 'Rehabiliskate' and Franki Romero? She's a monster in the rink! Her persona? Franki-Stein! Arg!
I didn't know there was Roller Derby and I didn't realize how much frustration these professionals and moms have that needs to be purged. Kim says she's 'loves it!" and even after a pretty severe foot injury, she says she has no plans to to hang up her skates. and Franki? It was a pretty serious surgery, not related to skating, that made her think..." you know what? life is too short and I want to get in shape and try something fun..." so she joined a gym and found Derby...and you might think the elbows and falls would be the downside to being a roller queen...but Franki says its her favorite part. These girls seem to wear their wounds like a badge of honor. Both in their mid 30's...skating has rebounded as a cult phenomenon. It was reborn in 2001 in Austin, Texas and got a boost from the 2009 movie, 'Whip It' ...which hihglighted the plight of one young girl and her Derby desire...the movie boosting the buzz...for the circular sport. In it's heyday in the 40’s, Derby was played in all 50 states to packed houses. Today its an underground movement with legions of fans who see the 'cool ' factor in grown women duking it out in racy and lacey costumes....in a sport which, like punk rock music...isn't mainstream. Part appeal. The other part? Speed, banging, jamming and regular ladies giving up the grind of the 9-to-5 to let loose and unleash the fury of being a mom or a wife ...or just a person who is competitive and wants to get a little exercise in the process.
Listen to Kim and Franki's Allgood News by clicking the 'play' button up top!
Information if you want to join Roller Derby: