Rick Mitchell

Rick Mitchell was primarily a 400 metre specialist who competed at the 1976, 1980, and 1984 Olympics, winning a silver medal in the 400 at Moskva in 1980. Mitchell joined Waverley Athletic Club in Melbourne at age 17, but later moved to St. Stephens Harriers.

In addition to his Olympic appearances, Mitchell raced at the 1978 and 1982 Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the 400 metres in 1978, adding a bronze that year in the 4x400 relay, and in 1982 he took home two silvers in the 400 and 4x400. He won Australian titles in the 400 in 1976-77 and 1979.

Mitchell retired after the Los Angeles Olympics and became Director of the Tasmanian Institute of Sport, later leading various organizations in racing, sport, and business, while also doing sports commentary on television. Mitchell was inducted into the Athletics Australia Hall of Fame in 2011.

Personal Bests: 200 – 20.8 (1976); 400 – 44.84 (1980).