By LIAM TWOMEY
THE rest of Australia is starting to catch on to how much of a special talent Morgan Mitchell is.
But in the Western Suburbs, her remarkable abilities in the sporting arena have been known for years.
Mitchell’s place among the best sprinters in Australia was formally recognised last week when she qualified for the Commonwealth Games after a blistering run at the Australian Championships.
The Werribee resident shaved a full second off her personal best time en-route to winning the 400-metre National Title.
“To be honest, it is a relief and very exciting as well,” Mitchell said of her amazing run.
“The past month leading up to it was a bit hectic and I was just trying to get my race plan right. For it to happen on that day was almost like a blessing.
“I was so lucky and I was so happy. Now it is all over. I’m in the team, no-one can take my spot and it all worked out. I’m really happy and really excited.”
Mitchell will travel to Europe next month and compete in a number of lead-up race meetings as part of her Commonwealth Games preparations.
After that she will travel with the Australian Athletics team to Glasgow and is set to run in both the 400m individual race and the relay.
“I’m already a little bit nervous for what’s to come,” Mitchell said.
“I haven’t really thought about the actual race yet but I think with the travelling, I have never done it. You have to be independent now. It is not like juniors where you are spoon-fed.
“I think that is what I am most nervous about, getting everywhere on time and doing everything right.”
At 19 years of age, Mitchell will be one of the youngest members of the Australian Athletics Team.
However, that doesn’t mean she is setting small goals.
The former Williamstown High School student is hoping to take even more time off her PB.
“I told Burkey (her coach Peter Burke), if I can knock a second off in the space of a month, imagine what I can do in four months,” she said.
“I do want to keep getting my time down but I also really want to make the final. If I do get into the final, obviously I am going to give it my all to try and medal. I am still young but it would be nice to medal.
“If I can get my time down I think I am a chance but it is hard to know. Anything can happen.”
Mitchell’s official qualification and history as an Australian under-age netballer has seen her profile grow quickly throughout the sporting media.
She admitted seeing her face in the paper and on TV had taken a bit of getting used to. “It is actually really crazy,” Mitchell said.
“I’m still getting used to the thankyou messages you get from people. I’ve got a long list I have to reply to already.
“I’m still trying to stay grounded and not get caught up in it. Mum keeps reminding me, make sure you remember who you are. It is just really exciting.”
