Natalia Drobot

At just twenty years of age, Natalia Drobot has already paddled her way into the elite ranks of Australian canoe sprint — a sport that demands strength, precision, and sheer willpower. Recognised by the Australian Institute of Sport as a Podium Potential Athlete, Natalia has proudly represented Australia across Junior, Under-23, and Senior levels, earning World Championship medals at every stage of her young career.

With the Brisbane Olympic Games on the horizon, Natalia’s trajectory could not be better timed. Training daily alongside Olympic gold medallists Tom Green, Jake Clear, and Ken Wallace at Paddle Australia’s Gold Coast High Performance Hub, she continues to refine her craft under world-class guidance. Coaches describe her as one of the nation’s most promising young paddlers — an athlete whose discipline, focus, and humility mark her as a future Olympian in the making.

Behind Natalia’s success lies a story of resilience and self-belief. Living independently from a young age, she has balanced a demanding training schedule with study and part-time work, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to her goals. Her courage and determination inspire confidence among coaches and peers, who believe she has the potential to represent Australia with distinction through to Brisbane 2032 and beyond.

Natalia’s connection to the Gold Coast runs deep. Like many of the region’s great paddlers, she began her sporting journey through Surf Lifesaving, developing the grit, endurance, and ocean awareness that now fuel her success on the flatwater. The waterways that shaped her early years continue to inspire every stroke — a reminder of the community and coastline that have helped her become one of Australia’s most exciting young athletes.