Natalia Drobot is an Australian Canoe Sprint paddler, focussed on making her Olympics debut in LA2028. Still just 21 years old, she’s already one of the world’s best.
Born and raised on the NSW Central Coast, she packed up her life and relocated to train on the Gold Coast, while still a teenager, as she chased her dream.
As you’ll hear, Nat had an immediate impact upon making her first international team, and she’s now an Under 23 World Champion and Elite World Cup gold medalist.
We chat about learning from some of the sport’s best, the things outside of sport which keep her grounded, and her special connection with an Australian Olympic legend.
This chat was recorded in August, 2026, on the eve of the World Championships from Poland.

The Whistle -10.9.26 - Hannah Dodd, AFLW Derby, NRLW Captains
21:58

The Whistle 3.9.26 - Basketball World Cup Preview
34:31

The Whistle 27.8.26 - Liz Ellis, Natalia Drobot, Steph Reid
20:18