This year has been a testing one; however we’ve made it through, together. In partnership with Clarins, Gritty Pretty presents Illuminating Women: A Portrait Series to shine a spotlight on the women who inspire us the most. Dialing in via FaceTime, these strong female voices share their journey, alongside a radiant portrait that captures their essence.

As part of Illuminating Women: A Portrait Series, we’ve had the honor of speaking to a line-up of pretty awe-inspiring ladies (if we say so ourselves!) including Melissa Leong, Abbey Gelmi and Gai and Kate Waterhouse, along with Jayme Jo, Jessie and Jo Massoud. Last but certainly not least is Australian sprinter Morgan Mitchell.

Mitchell was always going to be an athlete in some way, shape or form. She started Little Athletics as a youngster but put her athletics career on hold at 12 years old to focus on netball and basketball, both of which she played at a national level. However, Mitchell made her way back to the athletics track in her late teens. And good thing she did – in 2016, Mitchell represented Australia at the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. 

Qualifying for the Australian Olympic team is a career highlight for Mitchell. “It was a huge four year build up. I realised that I had made the team when I won Nationals. All I had to do was win to secure my spot [at the Rio Olympics]. I remember crossing the finish line and tearing up. I had my mum in the stands and it was the most surreal feeling. It’s something I’ve dreamt of since I was six years old.” It was just as much a win for her mum who had encouraged Mitchell to follow her dreams right from the start. “I bought her a ticket to watch me; she was super proud.”

Mitchell fell in love with athletics from her very first race. “Both my parents were very sporty… they encouraged us to try a lot of different things.” A bit of healthy competition in the form of two sisters also kept Mitchell on her toes: “We’re all very competitive and we all love sport.” However, it was five years out from Rio when she really said to herself “okay, I think I can make the Olympics” and started training with a set goal in mind. “That was five years before it happened. To hold onto that dream and then make it come true is pretty special.”

To reach such great heights requires grit, perseverance and careful planning – all the way down to Mitchell’s skincare routine. When her daily skincare regime is consistent, it helps her feel cool, calm and collected when all eyes are on her. “I can’t control my competition, I can’t control whether I will win or not,” Michell says, reflecting on her headspace when she walks out onto the track. “But I do have control of my skincare routine and if this is all set, I can walk out there with confidence.”

Mitchell credits Clarins Double Serum for keeping her skin healthy, hydrated and oh-so glowy. “Immediately after using Double Serum, my skin feels like heaven. I love it because my skin feels super soft, super hydrated and it also tightens.” She was first introduced to Double Serum via her mum. “I remember using it and thinking, I need to invest in something like this. Now, it’s part of my skincare routine quite religiously.” 

Now, the serum forms an integral part of the sprinter’s evening routine. “Double Serum would fit in straight after I cleanse my face and before my night cream, My Clarins RE-CHARGE Relaxing Sleep Mask. I always put the Double Serum on just before bed, just before Sleep Mask and sets the tone for everything.” If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Mitchell’s skin regime is working. Take a look at that glow, would you?