Dr Robin Mitchell is one of the most respected sports administrators in the Pacific region and one of very few Fiji Sports Administrators to have achieved recognition at both regional and international levels. He has had an illustrious career as a sportsman, a coach, a doctor and a sports administrator, which has seen him reach unprecedented heights for a Pacific Islander.
Dr Mitchell is the only member of the International Olympic Committee from a Pacific Island nation – a post he has held since 1994, and his election as President of Oceania National Olympic Committees in early 2009 makes him the first Islander to hold this post. He was previously the Secretary General (since 1993), and a Vice President from 1989.
As a medical practitioner, Dr Mitchell held the position of Fiji Team Physician from 1984-1992, and was one of the founding members of the FASANOC Medical Commission in 1985, which he served as Chairman until 1996. He was a member of the ONOC Medical Commission from 1985–1993 and is a former member of the IAAF Medical Commission and the FIH Medical Commission. Dr Mitchell was also a founding Board member of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Dr Mitchell has been a member of the FASANOC Executive since 1985, in the capacity of Secretary General from 1987 – 1996, President from 1997 – 2005, and as the IOC Member in Fiji since then. Dr Mitchell was also the chairman of the Suva 2003 South Pacific Games, which has been hailed as one of the most successful Games staged to date.
In 2003, Dr Mitchell was invested as an Officer of the Order of Fiji for his services to sports.
In addition to these credentials as an administrator, Dr Mitchell has also represented Fiji in Athletics and Hockey and was the National Hockey coach from 1984-1990. He also currently serves as the President of Fiji Hockey, and has done since 2005.
Dr Mitchell has made, and continues to make, a lifetime’s contribution to sports, not only in Fiji but in the wider sphere of sports regionally and internationally.
Story by: FASANOC