A member of Coventry Godiva Harriers, Robinson was a successful junior who won the AAA Under 17 800 m title in 1984 and 1985, and finished fourth in the 800 metres final at the 1986 World Junior Championships in 2:02.18. Her best time for the 800 m was achieved on 26 July 1989 in Wythenshawe, when she ran 2:02.0.