Meet Gettysburg multi-sport athlete London Mitchell
GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Gettysburg High School (GHS) Senior, London Mitchell, is a talented multi-sport athlete. He participates in diving, track, cross country and is an accomplished water sports enthusiast. London鈥檚 main focus as he transitions to collegiate sports in the fall is the pole vault.
Diving is a new sport to both GHS and London. GHS鈥檚 first dive team was formed last year. Originally drawn to begin diving, London feels, 鈥淚 love that it is something that is not very traditional to what people expect. I also love that it is a challenge and is still something relatively new to me.鈥� London placed 8th at the PIAA Division III championship, an impressive finish for both the new GHS team and for London. After self-admittedly missing a dive at the tournament, London commented, 鈥淛ust recently at PIAA districts I messed up one of my dives pretty bad. I had to just keep my composure and not let my emotions get in the way and perform the other dives as best as I possibly could to recover.鈥�
When asked about his biggest challenge when diving, London said, 鈥淭he biggest challenge is the mental walls that have to be broken. When I’m diving the thought of failing and smacking the water like a door is always in my head. Over time though, gaining more confidence with practice is very helpful.鈥� Before a meet, you鈥檒l find London eating the biggest bag of Swedish fish he can find, and with his earbuds in, listening to music to 鈥済et hyped up!鈥�
Although the multiple sports he participates in are sometimes considered more individual than team sports, London鈥檚 teams and teammates are important to him, 鈥淏eing a team member has taught me to be a role model to the younger kids on the team. Being on a team also makes new lifelong friends that I am super appreciative of.鈥� His coaches play an important role to London, and he remembers a particular piece of advice from one, 鈥滾et’s all work to be the person who inspires others- not the one who makes excuses!鈥�
When not involved in sports, London is very active. You may find him hanging out with his siblings, India and Andorra, his friends, at the gym, or during the warmer months, on a wakeboard or skis behind a boat. As he completes the final few months of his high school year, London had a special message to share, 鈥淏ig thank you to all my coaches and my Mom, especially during my last four years of high school! They have provided me with so many opportunities, new skills, and support. Brought much more to the table that I didn’t think was possible. I am truly thankful for everyone and everything that has been done for me to succeed the best I can!鈥�
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