Aussie Olympian reveals terrifying incident that nearly cost her life

Two-time Olympic sprinter Morgan Mitchell has opened up about a troubling attack she faced as a teenage girl as she marked her 30th birthday.

Mitchell ran in the green and gold at the 2016 Rio and 2021 Tokyo Olympics before she narrowly missed selection for the Paris Games this year, and on Thursday posted a reflective announcement for her birthday. 

She revealed a domestic violence attack when she was an 18-years-old made her doubt her abilities to accomplish any of her dreams. 

‘Wow… A milestone I never thought would be possible. I made it to 30 years old,’ she wrote on social media.

‘I nearly lost my life this time 12 years ago due to domestic violence which left me in hospital with concussion and a busted jaw. 

‘It’s crazy to think that at one point in my life I really thought I would miss out on moments like this.’

Her heartfelt message was accompanied by a series of photos showing some of the achievements she is proudest of, alongside a picture of her injuries resulting from domestic violence.

She shared images from the attack which left her hospitalised, along with what she’s been able to accomplish in the 12 years since then

Mitchell’s posts showed her first feature spread in Vogue magazine, her appearance on Women’s Health’s cover, and a number of competition appearances including the Commonwealth and Olympic games.

Many of which she said she’d recorded in a ‘dream journal’ as a child and again as an adult. 

She gave thanks to one particular children’s charity which helped her when she was younger. 

‘If I can ask for anything this birthday it’s 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 giving underprivileged children the opportunity to experience a life away from negativity and to instill in them the belief that no matter your background or upbringing, you can be whatever and whoever you want.

‘I attended the Cottage as a child, 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, go after what you want, and to never give up. 

Mitchell’s posts showed her first feature spread in Vogue magazine, her appearance on Women’s Health’s cover, 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 emphatic support from her fans and colleagues.

‘You really are 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. 

Olympian hurdler Celeste Mucci simply wrote: ‘no one like you’. 

‘You’re incredible,’ former Bachelorette star Brooke Blurton added. 

Mitchell had rarely spoken publicly of the incident, but she briefly touched on the subject in an interview with Gritty Pretty magazine just last year.

Mitchell has appeared in magazine spreads and covers, in a film and multiple international track meets including the Commonwealth and Olympic games

‘I suffered from a serious injury when I was 18 due to to domestic abuse that left me in hospital,’ Mitchell told the publication when asked about the greatest challenge she’d faced in her career. 

‘It’s something I haven’t really talked about a lot but it definitely was a defining moment because mentally, it stuck with me long after the incident. 

‘I started to question my self-worth and my motivation for sport and life.’

Mitchell is now aiming for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, reportedly training with Peter Fortune to earn a spot back in the Australian team. 

National Sexual Assault, Domestic Family Violence Counselling Service:  1800 RESPECT 

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