Lauren Mitchell Calls Time on Stellar Career

Champion Western Australian gymnast Lauren Mitchell has called time on a glittering career that has seen her compete at two Olympic Games, two Commonwealth Games and win gold at the 2010 World Championships in the Netherlands.

The 25 year-old finishes her career as Australia’s most celebrated international gymnast, having become the first Australian woman to win world championship gold, when she top scored on floor at the 2010 Championships in Rotterdam.

Mitchell admitted the decision to retire had not been an easy one, but said she departed the sport with wonderful memories over a career spanning nearly two decades.

“I have not made this decision lightly and with it comes a lot of sadness, but also immense pride in what I have achieved in this sport throughout the last 18 years,” she said.

Mitchell thanked her family, particularly for the sacrifices they made to support her gymnastics.

“I am the oldest in a family of four children. When I started at the WAIS gymnastics program, all my siblings had to wake up early and were in the car when mum would drop me off for morning training before school. My family have made many sacrifices, they have never complained about any of it,” she said.

“I love them so much and I wouldn’t be standing here without the support and love of my mum and dad, my sister Brittany, and my brothers Harrison and Travis.”

The Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Olympian paid close respect to her coaches and support staff who helped her reach the top of international gymnastics.

“Some of the days in the gym I wanted to run away and never come back, other days I never wanted to leave,” Mitchell said. “My coaches Martine (George), and Nikolai (Lapchine), and his wife Tatiana (Lapchina) never gave up and kept pushing me and showing me where my limits actually were and what my potential truly was.”

“Gymnastics Australia have provided me with the tools I’ve needed to be able to travel the world successfully. I have had the wonderful opportunity to be able to work with the National coach Peggy Liddick for the last 10 years and Liz Chetkovich for most of my career.”

“Both Peggy and Liz are passionate about our sport and dedicated to helping gymnasts achieve their best. Because of their belief and confidence in me, I have developed my gymnastics and leadership skills and enjoyed challenges all over the world,” Mitchell said.

Although she walks away from competitive gymnastics, Mitchell said she would remain active in the sport and looks forward to the next stage of her life, including study and motivational speaking.

“With all big decisions comes a new chapter in someone’s life and this is no different for me. I love the sport of gymnastics and I will still be involved in some way, shape or form.”

“I am going to start mentoring younger athletes and start motivational speaking to inspire not only the next generation of elite athletes, but also inspire people in their daily lives. I would love to give back to the community, when they have given me so much to be grateful for.”