‘I want to do it on my terms’: Runner Morgan Mitchell outlines plans to make it to LA 2028

Runner Morgan Mitchell says Athletics Australia has turned its back on her by not selecting her for the Paris Olympics but she’s determined to bounce back.

Morgan Mitchell and her partner, business analyst Tom Brown. Picture: Instagram

Morgan Mitchell says Athletics Australia has turned its back on her and she’s more determined than ever to run fast.

The Melbourne 400m turned 800m runner, who represented Australia at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics, doesn’t want a pity party after missing out on the Paris Olympic Games.

She has a new coach, Peter Fortune, who guided Cathy Freeman to a famous gold medal in Sydney 2000, and has set her sights set on returning to the green and gold in LA 2028.

“When AA drop you out of nowhere and keep others with the same injury (achilles) and try to pull the age card, you think if there’s no belief you’ll just go away but I want to do it on my terms,’’ Mitchell said.

Mitchell raced at the Rio and Tokyo Olympics. Picture: Instagram

“I made it without them when I came on the scene as a 19-year-old because I love it and I’m not worrying about politics. You get dropped and that’s it but it’s not a pity party because I’ve made lots of relationships and I’m not down about putting so much belief in the system.

“Changing coaches halfway through the season didn’t help and I’m turning 30 this year but I don’t feel old. I want to give it one last crack and I’ve been blessed to make the team before and get that opportunity. I’m not going to screw it up.”

Mitchell has just returned from a trip overseas — her partner, business analyst Tom Brown, proposed in Portugal after just four months of dating.

“When you know you know,’’ she said.

Mitchell and Brown got engaged in Portugal. Picture: Instagram

“He’s honestly the most amazing person and just allows me to be myself. I’d never used dating apps but went on one called Raya and I never go out on a limb but we had dinner at Mr Miyagi on Chapel Street and then spent every single day together. I knew he was the one.”

Mitchell, an F45 global athlete, was training at the Docklands studio on Wednesday.

She made the semi-finals of the 400m in Rio and injury hampered her quest in the 800m in Tokyo.

“I will head overseas again but with my new coach I’m adapting to a new style and (Peter) and I have had a good relationship since 2012,’’ Mitchell said.

“I wish I’d made the decision earlier but I’m grateful for my life and where we’re at. I’m in shape but as my last coach said, I lost a lot of confidence … I’m excited for the future.”