THERE is an electric atmosphere in Casterton after one of its own won a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games on Wednesday night.
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Kathryn Mitchell, who grew up in the town, snared gold in the javelin after delivering a throw of 68.92 metres.
"It was pretty awesome," Mitchell said.
"You hope for this type of result and I've worked a lot this season trying not to focus too much on results and more on the process.
"It's been working and it's worked again tonight. It's a little bit unbelievable."
Casterton Post Office and Florist owner Melita Vise said everyone was talking about the win.
“It’s absolutely amazing,” Mrs Vise said.
“She's been doing it for so long and to finally have that reward is great.”
Mrs Vise said Mitchell’s mother Robyn Winch still lived in Casterton and was a regular to the post office.
She said she was at the Games watching her daughter and would be extremely proud of her daughter.
Mitchell’s winning throw is a Commonwealth Games record and the best in the world since 2013.
Glenelg Shire mayor Anita Rank said the entire Glenelg Shire was proud of Mitchell’s golden achievement.
“What a fantastic moment seeing a former Casterton resident taking home gold on the world stage and breaking multiple records in the process,” Councillor Rank said.
“Competing in her fourth Commonwealth Games, Kathryn is a stellar example of just what you can achieve with ongoing dedication and determination.
“She is a great role model for our community and I commend her world class efforts.”
Mitchell attributed her success to a sudden change in mindset.
“The paradox of sport is the less you focus on results the better the results come,” she said.
“That’s what I’ve tried to do this year. I put all distances out of my mind. I knew I could throw the Australian record eventually. I told myself to just allow it to come.”