Hedland woman Jenni-Lee Mills smashes 365 days of skating

Fuelled with motivation and hope for the new year, in January 2021 Jenni-Lee Mills, like many, set herself a goal — just in her case it was for 365 days of roller skating. However unlike many new years resolutions that end up as distant memories this one stuck, and on February 9 Ms Mill completed her resolution. Although there were a few missed days here and there Ms Mills, or Major Canis, as she is known as in the roller derby community, never gave up. Whether it was a cruise along Sutherland Street, roller derby training with her team at the JD Hardie or practising on her very own backyard skate ramp Ms Mills was determined to skate every day, and she did. She hadn’t put on a pair of skates since she was 10 years old before joining the North West Roller Derby team in 2013, but said it’s now a “big part” of her life. “Some people read a book, some people meditate, I skate,” she said. “Skating has helped me come into my own identity and find more things I like, I think I was always meant to be a skater. “I started the 365 days because I wanted an excuse to skate more.” Documenting almost every skate on her Instagram, Ms Mills said it’s been great to connect online with other skaters from around Australia and the world. “I love being able to see the progress of other skaters, as well as my own through our Instagram videos,” she said. “Skating has had a bit of a boom. I think people love it because it’s not a hard impact sport, there’s no pounding on your joints like with running, it’s just smooth. “Actually it can be rough, roller derby and ramp skating can be kind of harsh, but worth it.” Ms Mills explained that skating has infiltrated her life so much so that it is now something her husband Colin considers even when planning a holiday. “We’ve travelled a bit through WA this past year, and Colin has started sussing out the best skate parks to visit wherever we go,” she said. “I tell him we don’t have to worry about it, but he is my number one supporter! “He helps me film my videos and has even started watching skating YouTube videos too and is always showing me new tricks to try out.” Although the North West roller derby team don’t have enough skaters for a full team, the group get together twice a week to train and Ms Mills said anyone who is interested in joining in should get in touch with the team on Facebook. “We have skates and pads you can borrow, and you can get involved in a number of ways,” she said. “We don’t pummel you until you’re ready to pummel back! “And if you don’t want to smash stuff, we will probably convince you that you do!” Now that the 365 day challenge is up, Ms Mills is going to be an accountability buddy for others who have set themselves the challenge. “One of my teammates has said she is going to do the 365 days of skate, so I’m going to be there for her when she needs a push or someone to go with.” Although Ms Mills won’t be doing another 365 days consecutively, she is focused on continuing to improve her skills. “I love getting the pump-up music going, and psyching myself up to try a new trick I’ve learnt off someone on YouTube from the other side of the world,” she said. “Just getting better is going to be my focus from now on.”