Ronnie Robinson (roller derby) facts for kids
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| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Born | September 25, 1939 |
| Died | April 2001 (aged 61–62) |
| Height | 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 170 pounds (77 kg) |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Roller derby |
| Team | New York Chiefs Chicago Westerners Brooklyn Red Devils Northeast Braves San Diego Clippers Mexico City Cardenales New England Braves Chicago Pioneers Los Angeles Thunderbirds |
| Turned pro | 1958 |
| Retired | 1974 |
| Now coaching | 1969–1972, 1975, 1991–1992 |
Ronnie Smith Robinson (born September 25, 1939 – died April 2001) was a famous American roller derby skater and coach. He was known for his speed and skill on the track.
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Who Was Ronnie Robinson?
Ronnie Robinson was the son of the famous boxer Sugar Ray Robinson. Even though his father was a boxing legend, Ronnie chose a different path. Sugar Ray told Ronnie not to become a boxer. Instead, Ronnie found his passion in roller derby after watching it on TV.
Starting His Roller Derby Journey
In March 1958, Ronnie joined a roller derby training school. He started under the name "Ronald Smith." After just five months of training, he became a professional skater. His first team was the New York Chiefs.
A Star on the Track
Ronnie Robinson quickly became a top player in roller derby. He was one of the first African American professional roller derby skaters. He was a member of the All-Star team for over ten years in a row. This means he was one of the best players in the sport for a very long time!
Awards and Challenges
Ronnie was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) twice. This award goes to the player who helps their team the most. Roller derby can be a tough sport. Ronnie once broke his arm badly. He also lost his front teeth in an on-track incident and had several concussions. Despite these injuries, he kept playing.
Legacy and Hall of Fame
Ronnie Robinson retired from skating in 1974. He also spent time coaching roller derby teams. In 2004, he was honored for his amazing career. He was added to the Roller Derby Hall of Fame. This means he is remembered as one of the greatest roller derby players ever.
