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Holly Robinson is the first ever Para athlete to become an educator for Drug Free Sport NZ. We chat to the Paralympic javelin F46 champion to find out more about her role.

How did you get involved as an educator with Drug Free Sport NZ?

While I was at the Halberg Games as an ambassador two years ago, I was approached by one of the educators at the drug free sport tent who thought that becoming an educator would be a great opportunity for me. I thought about it but then I never really went anywhere further with it until there was an opportunity in Otago to become an educator. So, I had a conversation with former Silver Fern Jodi Brown (Quality Advisor – Education DFSNZ) and thought that it was something I would really like to be involved in, so I became an educator. I’ve been on a big learning curve, but it is awesome to connect with other sports, meet other people and educate them on their drug-free journey.

Why was it important to you to take on the role?

I’ve always enjoyed educating and helping people and I’ve previously worked with kids in schools as a teacher aid. I did want a change, but I also wanted to be in that space where I wanted to help others. It is different to what I’ve done in the past, but it will help me develop my skillset and connect with many people.

What skills are you looking to develop?

The role has allowed me to connect with people in different sports and it has allowed me to educate older people than in the past. It has also helped develop my presentation skills to large groups. Learning and understanding lots of new information has helped my overall growth.

What does your role as an educator with Drug Free Sport NZ entail?

I can be booked to deliver workshops or webinars. The role is often about teaching and educating athletes and support personnel of their rights and also responsibilities as an athlete around clean sport. I’m mainly based down south, but I can also travel around the country. We don’t want athletes to face their first drug test and not have any understanding about what they are experiencing.

Why is clean sport so important to you personally?

As an athlete I value hard work and commitment, I believe these are the qualities which help you improve. I would like to know I have won because I have done the work and not that the outcome of the competition is down to an illegal substance another athlete has taken. These values are important to me and those align with the values of Drug Free Sport NZ. I want all athletes to compete on a level playing field – that is what really resonated with me.

Why would you encourage other athletes to get involved?

Personally, I have been through 12 years of Drug Free Sport NZ education, and it is great to get the chance to share my learnings. We are very lucky in New Zealand in that we are one of the few countries in the world which use athletes as educators. I think by using athletes as educators this allows us to deliver the sessions in a very authentic way.

For more information on DFSNZ go here