Student Spectrums

Alesha Siddiqui is a 9^th grader at Ilm Academy. Her interests include sports, writing, and reading. She’s the president of the debate club at Ilm Academy. Through her writing, she wishes to explore overlooked and sidelined perspectives.

Inline skating is often viewed as speed based, when in reality, it’s composed of much more. It’s a form of art and a creative outlet, whether competitive or not, and therefore should be treated with the same respect as other sports. Why should I be told that my sport is worth less simply because it wasn’t on TV last night?

I shouldn’t.

I don’t intend to disregard the hard work of the USARS (USA Roller Sports) or the WIFSA (World Inline Figure Skating Association), but to encourage all to understand the ability of rollerblades to take their skater wherever they desire, with simply the skater’s strength and will.

Being a student in a society with phone addictions and deteriorating mental health, I consider sports as a priority. I practice taekwondo which proves plenty of physical exercise, but as someone who values practically, I’ve also picked up rollerblading. But unfortunately, rollerblading is not as competitive or normalized as other sports, nor as valued. This hits me on a deeper level as I put in hours to refine my skills, but am held back by the limited opportunities for competitive growth. I’m often asked what sport I play. And for the sake of the reaction I mention I rollerblade, which is when I’m often met with, “Okay, but do you play any real sports?”

Rollerblading isn’t simply a hobby or a pastime, it’s a commitment, a skill, and most importantly, a sport. It’s a lot more affordable than other sports that require not only more equipment and accessories, but also an environment to practice, such as ice skating. A pair of elite pro Rollerblade, or inline skates, ranges from $800 – $1500+, while elite pro ice skates range from $1500 – $3000. This comparison is an example in itself of the reasonable costs of rollerblading overall. Rollerblades are an investment that last several years, and longer with proper care, and don’t require equipment or specific environments for those with financial struggles. 

Putting costs aside, I find myself appreciating the flexibility of practicing rollerblading, for it can be experienced anywhere from a neighborhood street to a professional skate rink. It can be mastered through the protection of gear or the bravery of simple sweatpants. While being affordable and accessible, it’s also considered relatively safe. In a descriptive epidemiology study published by the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, it is shown that the percentage of ice skating injuries decreased by 34.4% over the course of two years, while inline skating injuries decreased by 75.7% within the same time period. Another reason to invest in an underappreciated but safe sport. 

I encourage everyone to truly understand and consider a sport, flaws and benefits alike, before looking down upon it and deeming it unworthy. I believe inline skating can take sports to another level if given the chance and support, rather than resistance. Before categorizing rollerblading as a “hobby”, think of the youth that skate around parks in hopes of refining their skills and developing their ingenuity.