Paulding Fashion Model Competing To Enter Dogsled Race

DALLAS, GA — As an international fashion model, Paulding County native Mitchell Robinson has traveled the globe pursuing his career.

Now, he's shifting his focus from the hot lights of the runway to the cold, lonely trails of competitive dogsled racing.

Robinson, an Acworth native, wants to represent the United States in an April dogsled race in Norway and Sweden. But to do it, he needs to be voted in via an online video contest.

"My modeling career has enabled me to fulfill my dreams of traveling around the world ... ," Robinson, 24, says in the video. "The Polar is an experience of a lifetime, and I know I would be a fierce competitor in this unique and challenging event."

The Fjallraven Polar is inspired by the Iditarod, the world's most famous dog-sledding race in the world.

The 300-kilometer race (that's roughly 186 miles) requires dog teams and their drivers — or "mushers" — to negotiate rough terrain, steep turns and arctic temperatures. Competitors must make their own outdoor shelters at night.

But, in The Polar, none of the drivers are experienced racers. Instead, they are "ordinary" people chosen to compete against each other.

Robinson wants to use the race as a way to promote his avid interest in wildlife conservation.

It began when he was an early teen and "obsessed" with catching lizards in Acworth. Since then, he's owned hundreds of geckos and has traveled the globe photographing and documenting endangered species of the reptile.

"The skills I would learn during Polar would be irreplaceable and would enable me to have a platform to share my passion for conservation of endangered geckos," he said.

Two Americans will be selected to compete in the race. To vote for Robinson, click here.