EP10: Diana Dobson - From hooves to Olympics, a sports journalism journey

In this episode, I sit down with Diana Dobson, also known as Dobbie, an award-winning journalist and photographer whose career spans various sports, with a particular passion for horses. Diana's impressive resume includes coverage of three World Equestrian Championships, Burghley, Equitana, and multiple Horse of the Year events. 

But Diana's accomplishments don't stop there. She served as a press attaché at the Rio Olympic Games, followed by the Tokyo Olympics, and is gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. In between, she covered the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games in Australia and the Birmingham Commonwealth Games from home. 

During our conversation, Diana offers valuable insights into her work, sharing stories of her interactions with high-profile athletes like Mark Todd, Lisa Carrington, and Laurel Hubbard. We discuss her journey into sports journalism, the intricacies of her roles as a media liaison and press attaché, and the evolving landscape of sports coverage. 

Diana shares her experiences from the various events she's covered, recounting both the triumphs and challenges she's encountered alongside athletes. Our conversation explores the significance of respect, trust, and relationship-building in effectively conveying athletes' stories, touching upon the crucial topic of mental wellbeing among athletes. She offers valuable advice to aspiring athletes on navigating media engagements. And of course, no conversation with Diana would be complete without mention of her beloved English bull terrier, Louie. 

It took some persuasion, but I'm delighted that Diana has shared her story with us. Her journey is not only inspiring but also a testament to the dedication and passion she brings to her work. And with her continued commitment, there are certainly more awesome stories yet to come, so please enjoy.  

Kia ora!