Morgan Mitchell is a fiercely proud Melburnian and even prouder to be from the western suburbs.
Mitchell won her first 400 metres national title in Melbourne two years ago, so the next best thing was to go to Sydney to take out her second title.
“They hate it when the best city is in their territory,” she said with a laugh. “That’s just a bit of cheeky banter. It is good to get a win that is not in your home town.”
Mitchell is not one to forget her roots. The 21-year-old spent most of her secondary school years at Williamstown High School and speaks glowingly about Melbourne’s west.
“People underestimate the west,” she said. “I’m going to the Olympics – Dante Exum [is]playing in the NBA, and Shanina Shaik is from the west … she’s now a Victoria’s Secret model.”
Mitchell got her start at Werribee Little Athletics Centre, graduating to senior ranks at Western Athletics. Even as national champion, Mitchell will occasionally compete for Western in the Athletics Victoria Shield, just for old time’s sake.
“I love the club,” she said. “The club is more like a family, they’re so inclusive. No matter who you are, you’re never going to feel excluded when you’re at that club.
“I’m always happy to run for them and do shield events … and run in relays.”
Mitchell is more than willing to give back to the Little Athletics community. She often volunteers at training sessions and gives advice to the youngsters of the west.
“I genuinely love kids because they know how to have fun, they know how to be happy all the time and they’re just honest,” Mitchell said.
“It’s good seeing kids wanting to participate in sport – that’s the best part. “Some of the kids don’t know you, but they hear the words Commonwealth Games or Olympics and they think you’re Usain Bolt.”
One person Mitchell wants to give back to most is her mum, Lois, who raised her three children as a single mother. Mitchell says she will be forever indebted to her mum. She bought Lois a ticket to Rio for the Olympics even before she qualified.
“The ticket to Rio is something I worked very hard towards getting that for her. To me that’s still not enough to show how much I appreciate what she’s done for me,” Mitchell said.
“After my race, I hugged her and started crying … I’m actually going to Rio and she can watch me.”
