Background: A Gymnastics Prodigy
Rochelle began her journey in athletics at the tender age of two, showcasing an innate talent for gymnastics. When she turned seven, her family moved to Leeds, England, where she continued to nurture her skills. By the age of ten, she was already representing the Great Britain Gymnastics Team internationally. Her dedication saw her become the British National Gymnastics Champion in 1996, a title she held for three consecutive years. Her achievements saw her named top sports person under 13 in England for two consecutive years.
A Pivotal Decision: Transitioning from Gymnastics
Rochelle had her Olympic ambitions thwarted when the International Gymnastics Federation raised the minimum age for competitors to 16, rendering her ineligible at 15. This setback made her family return to Canada, where Rochelle chose to step away from gymnastics. She seized this opportunity to explore other interests, eventually graduating from Terry Fox Secondary School and earning a B.Sc. in Psychology from the University of Northern British Columbia at just 20 years old.
Embracing New Challenges: Venturing into Martial Arts and Boxing
Driven by a desire to push herself physically and mentally, Rochelle ventured into martial arts, training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Muay Thai. Also, she pursued boxing, making history in 2008 by participating in British Columbia’s first professional female boxing match. She later obtained a personal training diploma, enabling her to coach others in achieving their health goals.
Hollywood Calling
Rochelle’s varied athletic background paved the way for a successful career in the film industry. She’s become a professional stunt woman/actress with over 100 credits, working on major productions like:
- “X-Men: Apocalypse”
- “Deadpool”
- “The Twilight Saga”
- “The Predator”
Her television appearances include roles in “Arrow,” “Supergirl,” “Batwoman,” and “The Flash.”
Overcoming Adversity: A Testament to Determination
Rochelle faced a career-threatening injury in 2013 during a stunt, resulting in a severely damaged ankle. Doctors said she might never walk again properly. Undeterred, she underwent extensive rehabilitation, learning how to walk and run again, and eventually returning to stunt work. Her triumphant comeback was marked by her dual role in “X-Men: Apocalypse” as both Storm’s stunt double and the character Plague.
Empowering Others: Author and Motivational Speaker
Beyond her on-screen achievements, Rochelle is also a best-selling author and motivational speaker. Her book, “With Every Damn Brick,” chronicles her transformation from adversity to empowerment. She has delivered impactful talks, including a TEDx presentation titled “How to Turn Your Pain into Power,” inspiring audiences to overcome their challenges and embrace personal growth.
