As we celebrate all Australians who will represent the Green & Gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, it’s important we reflect on the great story of Kathryn Mitchell. A true story on persistence and dedication, Mitchell will line up for her 4th Olympic Games, joining Australian athletics royalty including Stephen Moneghetti, Dani Stevens and Lisa Ondieki.
Growing up in Casterton in Western Victoria, Mitchell only started athletics after her sister wanted to give it a go as a junior. Originally a Long & Triple Jumper, even training under the great Paul Cleary, Mitchell first picked up a Javelin at 17 years old. After discovering her talent, she went on to perfect her craft over many years.
Joining with Eureka Athletics Club in Ballarat, Mitchell continued to get better and better under the guidance of a few coaches and eventually found herself selected for the Australian Team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. In that event she threw 55.22m to finish 6th and cement herself on the world stage, she would go on to be selected in 5 more Commonwealth Games teams. Her best results, a gold medal and new Commonwealth Games Record (68.92m) at the 2018 Gold Coast games, going down as one of the best throws in history.
Her first Olympic taste was in 2012 when she was selected for the London 2012 at age 30. An achievement at the highest level, Mitchell went on to make the final and again showed her ability on the big stage. Mitchell went on to compete and make the final 8 at Rio in 2016, Tokyo in 2021 and will now take on Paris 2024, still ranked in the top 20 in the world for her sport.
Not only a talented athlete, but Mitchell is also well-respected and loved in her hometown in Ballarat, having run clinics and making regular appearances for training and competition. Always putting back into the sport, Mitchell has helped guide junior athletes and supported their development along with continuing to support regional sport in Victoria.
To celebrate her achievements, her junior town Casterton erected a statue in her honor in 2023, celebrating her achievements within the sport of athletics.
We wish Mitchell all the best of luck at her fourth Olympic Games and will be watching from here in Ballarat.
