July 2025 was summer break season for most of the Glasgow Roller Derby skaters, but some of us didn’t get much of a break! While many of us gathered around our screens to watch the stream of the Roller Derby World Cup in Innsbruck, Austria hosted by Fearless Bruisers Roller Derby, two of us were skating in the event itself.

With teammate PanicBurn on Team Scotland and Cardinal Spin on Team Ireland (not to mention Mötley Brüise who wrote about her experience here), we had plenty of chances to cheer for our teammates and pepper them with questions about their experience when they came back. Here’s what PanicBurn had to say about her World Cup experience as part of Team Scotland.

Q: What was it like trying out for a World Cup team?

A: The build up to tryouts was mentally challenging. I'd almost broken my leg at the skatepark in the January and had to be offskates for a couple of months to rest and recover. I was absolutely convinced I wasn't going to be ready to try out come May. I was doing everything I could to rest whilst still working out and not losing any of the progress I'd made.

The actual day of the tryout was delightful. The vibe throughout the day was fantastic, everyone seemed to be there to try their best and have fun. I was seeing friends from derby all over the UK and it was so nice to skate with everyone and catch up it didn't feel scary or full of pressure.

Q: What was training like?

A: Really interesting to see how other teams train. Team Scotland was now the fourth team I'd trained with (along with Seaside Sirens, Mean City Roller Derby and Glasgow Roller Derby), and each one has their own unique style. I got to learn more about strategy and plays than I had ever taken on before. I could feel my skills increase with every session.

The training was hard work but never to the point I wasn't enjoying it. I loved skating with all these new people and learning how to work with everyone and their different styles

Q: How did it feel to represent GRD/Scotland?
A: I was extremely proud to represent Scotland. I remember watching the 2018 World Cup in Manchester and thinking 'I want to do that' so the fact I was able to live out my dream at the very next World Cup was unreal.

The GRD family made the whole experience incredible. I had team members sending me supportive messages, checking in on me, being extremely kind and cpurteous when I couldn't skate or missed practice for Team Scotland stuff. I felt so lucky to have this team, and my previous teams standing behind me and supporting me throughout.

Q: What was something you did that you're quite proud of?

A: I didn't tell anyone for years that I wanted this because I was so scared i'd never make it. The fact I just tried out makes me extremely proud, that's the scariest first step. I knew if I made the team I was going to work hard and prove myself to the best of my abilities. I just needed to try out first and that was scary!

My name (PanicBurn) comes from the fact I have panic attacks, and I'm generally a big scaredy cat so being able to overcome that and keep thinking positively throughout this experience is the thing I am most proud of.

Q: What was the atmosphere like at the World Cup?

A: Unbelievable. The Scotland crowd especially absolutely brought it. The videos and pictures from a big fan hang out we arranged after our last game give a glimpse into how incredible the atmosphere was throughout. Everyone was excited and happy to be there.

Q: Did you get to meet any people you look up to in derby who were playing?

A: I tend to look up to people who I am in closer proximity with rather than skaters on other teams I don't know, even if they're incredible on track. I still look up to people on my first team (Seaside Sirens) who don't even skate anymore because they taught me how to start in this sport and support me even to this day.

Q: Do you have a other goal now that the World Cup is over?

A: I want Glasgow to take part in 5 nations and have a fun and exciting time doing it!

Q: Would you go for it again?

A: In a heartbeat.

All of us here at Glasgow Roller Derby were so excited to cheer on PanicBurn’s skating triumphs, and we can’t wait to see what she does next!

To see more of our team’s successes and to find out what else we are up to, follow us on Instagram!