Kristell, how long have you been skating and what made you pick up a pair of quads?
I’ve been roller skating for two years. I’ve always been very open about why I started skating; it has never been “too personal.” I began skating during the pandemic in March 2021 when I was feeling lost, anxious, and depressed. I had completely given up on myself.
Then, I saw a clip of Estro Jen doing a barani and I was flabbergasted. I wanted to try it! I was hanging on by a thread, so I had nothing to lose. Every time I fell down, something inside me told me to get back up. Every time I accomplished something, I felt a sensation I had never experienced before. It was hope, and I fell in love with it. From that moment on, I made a promise to myself that nothing or no one would stop me from skating, including myself.
What does roller skating mean to you besides from the athletic fun?
To me, roller skating means freedom. I love the way I can pour my heart and soul into skating. It’s a form of expression.
