She starred at the Rio Olympic Games and in Nitro Athletics and is one of the most exciting young stars in a sport on the rise in Australia.

Now Mitchell is relishing the opportunity to get another race under her belt when she joins some of Australia's best athletes in the capital for the Canberra Grand Prix beginning at the AIS on Saturday.

The Rio Olympic 400 metre semi-finalist has credited Nitro Athletics for a surge in popularity of track and field events and she is now edging her way into the spotlight.

She was getting stopped by people who knew her as "that girl that ran in Nitro", and even had friends tuning in that usually had absolutely no interest in athletics.

"I thought it was awesome, It was not like anything else I've ever done," Mitchell said.

"And to have it in Melbourne, my home town, was amazing. I loved it to be honest, and it's made me excited for the rest of the season. It was a good way to get things rolling.

"Nitro has made me one happy girl."

The 22-year-old Melbourne product headlines the 400m sprint event while she will also lock horns with Australia's fastest woman Melissa Breen and emerging star Ella Nelson in the 200m race.

The 200m is far from her preferred distance, and given the calibre of runners Mitchell would be happy just to finish in the top five - but the one-lap specialist is eyeing gold in her pet event.

"To be in such a quality race with some of Australia's fastest girls, is pretty exciting," Mitchell said.

"I think the main thing for me is I want to focus on the process. It's just seeing where I'm at a month out from nationals.

"I don't have huge expectations, it's really just doing what's healthy at this point. I try not to get too far ahead of myself."

Olympians Lauren Wells and Michelle Jenneke will also be on hand to join one of Australia's brightest young talents in Jack Hale at the AIS track this weekend.