Margot Robbie, the acclaimed actress known for her roles in films like I, Tonya, recently shared an amusing anecdote about her ice hockey experience during an appearance on the SmartLess podcast. The Australian star revealed that while pursuing her long-held dream of playing ice hockey, she was often mistaken for a man by her teammates.
Growing up on the Gold Coast in Australia, Robbie had always been inspired by the 1992 sports film The Mighty Ducks. She expressed her childhood desire to take up the sport, lamenting the lack of ice facilities in her hometown. “I desperately wanted to play ice hockey but I’m from a place called the Gold Coast in Australia and there’s no ice,” she explained. As a result, she played field hockey throughout her school years, waiting until her move to America to finally pursue her passion.
Once in the United States, Robbie was eager to join an ice hockey team. Despite having limited experience on ice skates, she took the plunge. “I joined an ice hockey team and I hadn’t ever really ice skated before,” she said. “It was so fun.” She humorously noted that her timing could have been better, as her ice skating training for I, Tonya came after this initial experience.
Robbie faced unique challenges as one of only two girls on her co-ed team. Donning full gear, her teammates often mistook her for a “small dude,” leading to some playful teasing. “I just looked like a very small guy,” she recounted. “I’d get picked on. They checked me so hard. But yeah, it was great.” The confusion would typically clear up only when she removed her helmet after the game, prompting surprised reactions from her teammates.
When asked about the physicality of the sport, Robbie playfully admitted, “No, I was way smaller than everyone.” Her experiences reflect both the challenges and joys of stepping outside traditional gender roles in sports.
Robbie’s story not only highlights her personal journey but also underscores the evolving landscape of women’s participation in sports. With her openness, she encourages others to pursue their interests, regardless of societal expectations.
