Javelin thrower, Kathryn Mitchell
KATHRYN MITCHELL relocated from her hometown of Casterton in Western Victoria to Ballarat late in her secondary school studies to work under the guidance of coach Lindsay Burgoyne to further develop her javelin throwing career.
And it has worked a dream, helping elevate her to a national title, Commonwealth Games representative and now Olympian.
Mitchell, 30, has gone through various phases in her career, the latest being a technique change after the Delhi Commonwealth Games from which she is now reaping the rewards.
She gave notice she was on track for London with an unofficial A-qualifying throw in Ballarat early in the year.
The Melbourne-based Mitchell secured her place in the Australian as one of two javelin throwers with two official A-qualifiers after travelling overseas, including a personal best at a Golden Spike meet at Ostrava in the Czech Republic.
Now it is all about throwing herself into an Olympic final.
Olympic schedule:
Tues, Aug 7 – qualification
Fri, Aug 10 – final
Ballarat connection:
Moved to Ballarat in latter years of second school to further her javelin throwing.
• Ballarat High School
• University of Ballarat
• Eureka Athletic Club
Olympic record:
This is Mitchell is Olympic Games debut.