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Interview with Atomatrix of the Oly Rollers
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Atomatrix
For many years, the name Julie Brandt Glass has been associated with excellence in the world of speed skating. Winning 12 titles in the World Inline Speed Skating Championships along with gold medals at the Pan American Games and the X Games will do that for you. So when pictures started popping up on the internet of her playing roller derby with the Oly Rollers earlier this year, a very loud alarm was set-off across the derby nation.
Skating under the name of Atomatrix, she spent the bulk of 2009 dazzling fans and fellow players up and down the west coast with her speed and agility. Then last month, she played a major roll in the Oly Rollers winning the WFTDA western regional tournament at Derby On the Rocks in Denver. So heading into this weekends WFTDA National Tournament in Philadelphia, I figured this might be an excellent opportunity for people to get to know Atomatrix a little better.
Elwood Bruise: What got you into speed skating in the first place?
Atomatrix: Skating sessions at my local roller rink in Grandville, Michigan. The owner was starting a speed team and gave me free lessons because he saw talent. His name is Doug Kraai and I owe him big time! I love skating and can't imagine my life without taking the path I did.
EB: You have won numerous speed skating titles. What are some of the ones you cherish the most?
ATX: My first world title in Perth Australia in 1995. Other than that, i would have to say each of my gold medals had a special meaning.
EB: How did you find out about the Oly Rollers or roller derby in general?
ATX: I heard about roller derby mainly through Dani Lewis "Sassy" from Oly. After my twins got a little older (1.5) and I started sleeping again I was ready to workout. After watching the Nationals in Portland - I committed to Oly and the sport of derby. That was just 1 year ago, and now I'm hooked.
EB: What were your thoughts going into your very first live derby bout?
ATX: Everything was happening in fast forward because I didn't know what the heck i was doing! I was excited, it's nice to compete in front of a crowd - just like the big inline marathons and world championships I've competed in.
EB: How confident were you before heading to Denver that the Oly Rollers would win the WFTDA western regional tournament?
ATX: I have a lot of faith in our team. I felt we had what it took to win Regionals and we were the top seed going in. It IS a team sport so I knew we'd have to keep it together as a TEAM!
EB: Once that final whistle blew in the championship game, what were some of your thoughts and feelings?
ATX: All i could think about was our first bout at nationals - either Gotham or Detroit. It's what our team has wanted for a year, and we're more ready than ever to put up a good fight.
EB: Who are some of the toughest teams and players you have played against so far in your derby career?
ATX: Denver is awesome - they're the best team we've played so far. This was back in the spring when we were still VERY penalty prone. We've cleaned up our play and learned alot since then though...
EB: Are there any teams or individual players you are looking forward to play in Philadelphia next weekend?
ATX: I'm just really excited to be matched up against either Gotham or Detroit. I want to play a powerhouse in the east just because all the talk is we're not at the same level and everyone needs to know, including us.
EB: For you, what are some of the most fulfilling aspects of participating both in an individual sport (speed skating) and a team sport (roller derby)?
ATX: Fulfilling aspects of competing in an individual sport is you pretty much control your own destiny, which I'm very used to. I haven't played as a team since high school (basketball and volleyball) but I'm really enjoying it - different but I like it. I feel a little in control being a jammer and scoring points...but without the correct blockers you're in trouble!
EB: Talk about your company, Atom Wheels and some of the products you produce and sell to the skating world.
ATX: Atom Wheels - well, instead of typing a bunch of information out - I will give you a link that's posted on WFTDA - since we're the Official Wheels of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association.
EB: Thanks for taking the time to do this interview. And good luck this weekend in Philadelphia!!!
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