Women in Sport is a new series by the Mudgee Guardian where we highlight female sport figures across the region.
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At just four years of age, Katarna Robinson had her first turn of the throttle on a 50cc quad bike.
Eight years later and Katarna is one of the few females who are dominating in the sport of motorbike racing.
Robinson first raced a bike when she was eight at Moranbah, Queensland and since then, has gained numerous titles and pole positions including;
Australian Junior Dirt Track
- 3rd 11-U16 Jnr Girls 85cc
- 15th 11-U13 Big Wheels 85cc
Queensland Track Championship
- 1st 11-U16 Jnr Girls 85cc
- 8th 11-U13 Big Wheels 85cc
Queensland Dirt Track Championship
- 3rd 11-U16 Jnr Girls 85cc
- 9th 11-U13 Big Wheels 85cc
Grasstree Beach race
- 3rd 9-U11 65cc
- 4th 9-U11 Small Wheel 85cc
"I am very happy with the year so far as it is the first year racing on the bitumen, but I couldn't do what I love without the help from some amazing people and businesses such as DMK Designs, Jekyl and Hyde, Mudgee Powersports, Motul, Gum Valley and mum and dad."
When asked what it is that made her continue to compete, the current seventh placed rider and highest placed female with two rounds left for the Australian Supermoto Lites Championship said quite simply, it's the thrill.
"It's fun and exciting and just a little bit scary, but in a good way," she said.
I love the racing and all the emotions that go with it. Beating the boys is nice but being able to prove to a lot of people that girls can ride and compete is pretty good.
- Katarna Robinson
The current fifth placed and only female rider in the Australian Junior Road Racing 85cc Championship says a lot of dedication is required to be successful in the sport but also a lot of motivation to get through the male dominated stigma.
"I should say a lot of hard work and dedication is required but you just need a love for the sport and want to improve every time you go out there," Katarna said.
It's hard, I feel like I have to keep proving to everyone that I belong out there as well, it drives dad insane that he still gets told girls shouldn't race and we are not always treated the same, but I enjoy proving them wrong.
Robinson encourages all females who would like to participate in motorbike riding to give it a go regardless of what others may deem acceptable. As Katarna's favourite quote goes, "It's time to Razzle Dazzle" ladies.
"Please give it a go as we need more females of all ages. If you can ignore all the background noise or have parents that protect you from all the negative people, then it is truly an amazing sport and you will love it," she said.
If you know a woman involved in sport across the Mid-Western region, either an athlete or behind the scenes contributor, that you would like included in the Women in Sport series, send a nomination through to jay-anna.mobbs@fairfaxmedia.com.au.