All of us here at World Skate would like to take the opportunity of International Women's Day to raise up and celebrate all the women in our community and beyond who make everything so much better for us all.
We thought we'd check in with just some of the fabulous women who are shaping the future of their respective sports to ask them about sisterhood, how sport lifts them up, and what they hope for the future.
Our thanks and gratitude today and every day: enjoy!
Ellen French (AUS) / Chair of Roller Derby
What's the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
Roller Derby is one of the few full-contact sports where women have always been at the forefront. It challenges traditional ideas about what women’s sports should look like and creates a space where strength, strategy, and athleticism are celebrated. It’s empowering to be part of a sport that actively encourages women to take up space, be aggressive, and push their limits both physically and mentally.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Sisterhood in Roller Derby is about lifting each other up—on and off the track. It’s about fierce competition but also deep respect, knowing that we’re all here to make each other stronger. It’s the support you feel when a teammate picks you up after a hard hit, the collective fight for inclusivity in the sport, and the lifelong friendships formed through shared challenges and victories. Sisterhood means knowing you have a team that believes in you, no matter what.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in Roller Derby?
I hope they see roller derby as more than just a sport—it’s a movement. I want younger women to step into this space knowing they belong, that their strength is an asset, and that they don’t need to conform to anyone else’s expectations. I hope they continue pushing for equity, representation, and inclusivity, making roller derby even more accessible and welcoming for future generations. Most of all, I hope they have fun, play hard, and know that they are capable of incredible things.
Nicoly Machado (BRA)/ Roller Freestyle
What's the best thing about being a woman in sport?
Being a woman in sports is about breaking down barriers! I love showing female strength in a skating scene that was once only practiced by men. Every year, women and girls show that they are capable of doing anything. That makes me feel proud.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
For me, sisterhood means everything and is one of the most important pillars in skating. Despite being an individual sport where you do your own tricks, it can bring people together. You can evolve on your own, but with friends by your side supporting and teaching you, you can go much further! I think it's beautiful that skating can bring people together from all walks of life for a single goal: skating and having fun.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in Roller Freestyle?
I hope that the structure of our sport continues to improve and that it grows a lot so that all young women can enjoy the sport to the fullest and be able to make a living from it.
Laura Veharanta (USA)/ Captain Inline Hockey
What's the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
The best thing about being a woman in sport is inspiring the next generation of young girls to play hockey. When they see women competing and succeeding at the highest level, they realize it’s possible for them too. The growth of our sport each year—both in the U.S. and worldwide—is incredible, and knowing we’re helping pave the way for future generations is truly rewarding.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Sisterhood in sport means family to me. It’s about giving everything I have—not just in competition but in my daily commitment to being the best teammate possible—while knowing my teammates are doing the same. It means putting the team first, making choices that benefit the group, and recognizing that no individual is bigger than the team.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in Inline Hockey?
My wish for the next generation is for our sport to continue growing, with more opportunities to showcase our game and the talented athletes who play it. I dream of a future where young players have the chance to compete on a global stage—perhaps even at the Olympic level in roller hockey one day.
Mia Catalano (USA)/ Scootering
What's the best thing about being a woman in Scootering?
If I had to put it simply, proving people wrong. There are so many amazing factors that go into being a woman. People try to decide what’s possible and I think being a woman is about pushing far beyond that. We have no boundaries and are capable of anything we set our minds to. Just like in Scootering, there are no limits- constantly learning and pushing ourselves to get better each day or each session.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
I’ve never had a sister but growing up in all different sports I’ve truly learned about sisterhood and what it means to be there for someone, especially in a sport. I’m so blessed to have the support system and community I do in scootering, thanks to these amazing woman who all inspire me to be better. To me, that sisterhood looks like pure support. We may be competitors, but we are all in this together. Nobody can quite understand what you’re going through like somebody that’s right there with you.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in your sport?
For a long time now, I’ve had a vision for the next generation of woman in scootering. When I started, I competed with men- now I’m lucky enough to be a women’s World Champion. Even as a young girl starting in scootering I had big plans for myself, and had no doubt that women would be where we are today. It doesn’t stop here. I hope that the next generation of women will be wiser, treated better, and given what they deserve. I have learned so much in my time as a scooter rider, both as a competitor and as a woman. I hope that I can help the next generation to have the opportunities and amazing experiences scootering has given me. We are constantly growing and learning in the world as humans and as a sport; I have very high hopes for our future.
OLOT (ESP)/ Large Group Artistic
What is the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
The best thing about being a woman in figure skating is the elegance and strength that we can transmit in each choreography. It is a sport that allows us to express emotions and tell stories with our technique and choreography. In addition, discipline and demand make us stronger both physically and mentally.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Sisterhood in skating means unity, support and trust. At CPA Olot, teamwork is essential, because we not only seek perfection in movements, but we also push each other to improve. We share training, sacrifices and dreams, and that makes us a family on and off the rink.
What do you wish for the young women who come after you in figure skating?
I wish that they never lose their passion for this sport and that they trust in their talent. That they know that effort and dedication always pay off, and that they enjoy every moment on skates. I also hope that they continue to pave the way, showing that women in skating not only shine for our elegance, but also for our determination and fighting spirit.
Rayssa Leal (BRA)/ Street Skateboarding World Champion
What’s the best thing about being a woman in skateboarding?
The best thing is being able to inspire even more girls to skateboard and play sports. I’m very happy to be a positive influence and to see the skateboarding community grow more and more.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
It means supporting, helping, and always cheering for each other.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in skateboarding?
Never give up on your dreams! If you fall, get up and keep trying. One day, it will work out!
Precision Bologna (ITA) - Artistic
What is the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
One of the most rewarding experiences of being a woman in sports is the feeling of growth and conquest that you feel every time you overcome a limit. Every training session and race are opportunities to discover your strength, both physical and mental, and to prove to ourselves that we are stronger than we imagine. The best thing is to be able to challenge ourselves and demonstrate that women are capable of achieving high results in any discipline, highlighting our strength and determination.
What does sisterhood in sports mean to you?
Sisterhood in sports represents mutual support, shared growth and a bond that goes beyond simple competition. It is the awareness that, even if we have individual goals, there is always someone by our side, ready to motivate us, encourage us and celebrate our successes as if they were their own.
What do you wish for young women who approach figure skating?
We wish that young girls who approach figure skating live this discipline with passion, determination and joy, without being discouraged by difficulties. We would like them to understand right away that skating is not only technique and sacrifice, but also a means of expressing themselves, of feeling free and of achieving personal satisfaction. We hope that they can have people by their side who support them, encourage them in difficult moments and help them believe in themselves. And above all, we want them to never forget that the value of an athlete is not measured only by results, but also by the growth, dedication and love they put into every training session and every performance.
Taraneh Ahmadi (Iran)/ Inline Freestyle
What's the best thing about being a woman in sport?
Equality between men and women, with very little difference in records between girls and boys.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
We make new friends from all over the world and become a family.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in Inline Freestyle?
I wish for them to never give up on their path to success and to keep going no matter the circumstances because the secret lies in perseverance. And finally, my personal wish is for our sport to become Olympic, so we can win an Olympic medal in this discipline.
Francesca Conzi (ITA)/ Skate Cross Team Captain
What is the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
I think it is a great privilege to be able to share sporting moments at a competitive level with other women. You learn a lot just by observing your opponents and when you then know their stories, you can really take home teachings and values that will accompany you in other areas of life. Being a woman puts you in contact with other women, allows you to grow with people who encourage you to be the best version of yourself.
What does sisterhood in sports mean to you?
Sisterhood for me means wishing all the athletes in the competition to be able to do their best. Creating the best race and the opportunity to be able to skate at the highest levels, living together a moment of healthy and engaging challenge.
What advice do you have and wish for the young women who will come after you in Skate Cross?
In skatecross there are many variables that can change the race at any moment, the unpredictability of competing with three other athletes at the same time, the speed with which you arrive on the ramps, the grip of the wheels on a slippery spot... and many times you lose concentration on the real obstacle that is ourselves. The advice that I always give to myself and that I would give to other athletes is to always focus on what we can control, our body and especially our mind. I hope that this sport can reach more and more athletes within the world of skating. A beautiful community has been created and there is the desire to see it grow more and more.
Lisa Peters (NED)/ - Downhill Skateboarding
What's the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
Downhill skateboarding, like many action sports, has historically been male-dominated, but seeing more women step into the scene, push limits, and inspire each other is incredibly empowering. Being part of that movement is something I’m really proud of. I’m also deeply grateful that I have the opportunity to participate in sports as a woman, something that isn’t a given everywhere in the world. It reminds me never to take this freedom for granted and to continue pushing for inclusivity in all levels of sport.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Sisterhood in sport means having a strong, supportive community of women who uplift and motivate each other. In Downhill Skateboarding, the bond between female riders goes beyond competition—we celebrate each other’s progress, share knowledge, and create a space where everyone feels encouraged to grow.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in Downhill Skateboarding?
I wish for younger women in Downhill Skateboarding to believe in their abilities and never let fear, or stereotypes, hold them back. I hope they continue pushing the sport forward with confidence, knowing that they belong here just as much as anyone else. Most importantly, I want them to enjoy the ride, embrace the challenges, and support each other along the way. They should also know that they can always reach out to other women in the sport for guidance, support, or simply to connect. When I started Downhill Skateboarding, I felt comfortable learning because the community was so open-minded. Not just the women, but also many male riders who were incredibly supportive and welcoming. That’s something truly special about this sport, and I hope it continues to grow.
Anna Casarramona (ESP)/ Rink Hockey
What is the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
The best thing about being a woman in Roller Hockey is having experienced its evolution from within and seeing that girls today have many more role models.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Helping each other, regardless of the team you are on. Always fighting for our rights in our sport.
What do you wish for the young women who come after you in Roller Hockey?
I wish the young women to enjoy this sport and its evolution. Let the show continue!
Gaby Vargas (ECU)/ Speed Skating
What's the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
The best thing about being a woman in sport is the journey of discovering just how strong, capable, and resilient we truly are. There’s something very powerful about pushing through both physical and mental challenges along the way. Proving to yourself that you can do more than you ever imagined is a reminder that we are redefining limits and paving the way for the future generation of women in sports.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Having moved to a new country an ocean away from where I spent most of my life, I’m very happy to have built lifelong friendships thanks to a special bond with my teammates in the sport. This sisterhood makes the journey even more special; we celebrate each other’s victories, but more importantly, we lift each other up when things don’t go as planned, both on and off the track.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in speed skating?
I want younger women in the sport to be confident that they belong and to know they are capable of achieving meaningful things for life and inspiring others. Inline speed skating is definitely challenging, but it shapes you into a strong and determined person. If you are part of the future generation of women in inline speed skating, push yourself to become the best version of yourself. Live by your values, trust yourself, and never stop believing in what you can accomplish.
Mona Sing Heller (GER)/ Inline Slalom
What's the best thing about being a woman in your sport?
What I find particularly special is that in our sport Inline Slalom, there is a form of equality and the women’s competitions are not held separately from the men’s venues. In World Cup races, the starting order alternates from event to event between men and women. Since we compete at the same venues, I can train with my brother and benefit from having a strong training partner. One particular strength of many women is their ability to maintain a good overview and their empathetic nature. I find it especially important that elite sports still allow room for interpersonal connections, and in this regard, women are likely more open. Women are often considered the weaker sex. In our sport, inline slalom, it ultimately comes down to who completes the course in the shortest time. As one of the fastest women, I am often especially proud to be faster than most men.
What does sisterhood in sport mean to you?
Sisterhood in sport means training and competing together while building a strong bond—a strength to rely on. It’s about exchanging experiences, supporting each other through highs and lows. Fighting together, improving together and being there for one another.
What do you wish for the younger women coming along behind you in inline slalom?
For the young women following in my footsteps in Inline Slalom, I wish for mutual respect and support for one another. Sport is more than just performance, competition and envy. If you take a moment to look around and support each other, it can be so much more fun.