Rock ‘n’ roller derby: Vancouver helps Portland-based Rose City Rollers to its fifth championshipSubscriber Exclusive

Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Global Championships was held in Portland

By Taylor Balkom, Columbian photographer

Published: November 9, 2024, 6:13am

Rose City Rollers’ Mia Palau (247) falls between teammate Tarantula (401) and Arch Rival jammer Vicious Van GoGo (1543) on Sunday during the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Global Championships at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland. Rose City Rollers’ all-star team, Wheels of Justice, won its fifth overall title 141-104 against Arch Rival All Stars from St. Louis, Mo. (Taylor Balkom/The Columbian)

PORTLAND — Roller derby skaters from around the world gathered in Portland last weekend to compete in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Global Championships.

Thirteen teams from across North America, Europe and Oceania battled over three days for the right to hoist the Hydra Trophy — a silver skate perched upon a twisting metal spire on an oval base.