Two-time Olympic sprinter Morgan Mitchell has opened up about a disturbing attack she suffered as a teenage girl celebrating her 30th birthday.
Mitchell ran in green and gold at the 2016 Rio and 2021 Tokyo Olympics before narrowly missing selection for the Paris Games this year, posting a reflective announcement for her birthday on Thursday.
She revealed a bout of domestic violence when she was 18 years old left her questioning her ability to achieve all her dreams.
‘Wow… A milestone I never thought would be possible. I turned 30,” she wrote on social media.
‘Twelve years ago I almost lost my life due to domestic violence, which left me in hospital with a concussion and a broken jaw.
“It’s crazy to think that at one point in my life I actually thought I would miss moments like this.”
Her heartfelt message was accompanied by a series of photos showing some of the achievements she is most proud of, alongside a photo of her injuries from domestic violence.
Australian sprinter Morgan Mitchell opened up about a domestic violence incident that threatened her career and self-esteem
She shared footage of the attack that left her in hospital, along with what she has achieved in the 12 years since
Mitchell’s posts featured her first feature in Vogue magazine, her appearance on the cover of Women’s Health and a number of competition appearances, including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
She said she recorded much of this in a ‘dream diary’ as a child and later as an adult.
She thanked a particular children’s charity that helped her when she was younger.
“If I could ask anything this birthday, it would be for everyone to click the link in my bio and learn more about (Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff),” she wrote.
‘(It’s) an incredible children’s charity that gives underprivileged children the opportunity to experience a life free from negativity and instill in them the belief that no matter your background or upbringing, you can be whatever and whoever you want.
“I went to the Cottage as a kid and now I’m a two-time Olympian.”
Her inspiring story was accompanied by a message for her fans and followers.
“You never know which day will be your last and if my journey has taught me anything, it’s to be grateful for what you have, pursue what you want and never give up.
Mitchell’s posts featured her first feature in Vogue magazine, her appearance on the cover of Women’s Health and a number of competition appearances including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.
“Also protect our women and children,” she added.
Her openness was met with strong support from her fans and colleagues.
‘You are truly one in a million! And we are all lucky to have you in our lives,” wrote fellow athlete Anna Kelly.
“Thank you for sharing this with us and being an advocate in protecting our women and children,” wrote another.
Olympic hurdler Celeste Mucci simply wrote, “nobody like you.”
“You’re incredible,” former Bachelorette star Brooke Blurton added.
Mitchell had rarely spoken publicly about the incident, but she briefly addressed the subject in an interview Eeriely beautiful magazine from last year.
Mitchell has appeared in magazine spreads and covers, in a film and in multiple international track meets, including the Commonwealth and Olympic Games
“I suffered a serious injury when I was 18 due to domestic violence that landed me in the hospital,” Mitchell told the publication when asked about the biggest challenge she has faced in her career.
‘It’s something I haven’t talked about much, but it was definitely a defining moment because mentally it stayed with me long after the incident.
‘I started to doubt my self-worth and my motivation for sports and life.’
Mitchell is now targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and is reportedly training with Peter Fortune to earn back a spot on the Australian team.
National Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence in Families Advisory Service: 1800 RESPECT
Lifeline: 13 11 14