The Scotch Oakburn student marked her 12^th birthday last month – one of many celebrations in a year that has featured countless wins at school, regional and state championships.  

Over the 2017 long course season Mitchell set state records in the 50m, 100m and 200m backstroke and has been selected in Tasmania’s swimming team for the Pacific School Games in December. 

But her ambition goes much higher than national competition. 

“I love Cate Campbell and the Campbell sisters - I wish my sister and I could be like that,” Mitchell said. 

“I want to get to the Olympics, that’s my biggest goal.” 

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Mitchell is already showing the passion and dedication elite athletes require, such as willingness to train nearly every day and to get out of bed at 5.30am in winter. 

“At the moment I do five sessions in a week, I do four mornings and one night. 

“I like them both but at night time you have to do two hours and in the morning it’s only an hour and a half.”

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Mitchell has been nominated for The Examiner’s Junior Sport Awards.

To make a nomination, click here.