🎤 From Stadium Cheers to Studio Lights: Rio Mitcham’s Multifaceted Journey
Rio Mitcham, the charismatic 25-year-old British 4x400m relay specialist, has done more than just sprint his way into the hearts of athletics fans—he’s also captivated music lovers across the UK. Known for his stellar performances for Team GB, Mitcham’s resume is dazzling: a 2022 European Athletics Championships gold medal, a 2023 World Athletics Championships silver in the mixed relay, and a bronze in the men’s 4x400m—all before his musical talents even entered the public eye.
But Mitcham’s story is not without heartache. Despite these remarkable achievements, his dream of competing at the Paris 2024 Olympics was crushed due to injury. “I used to see success as making this medal, winning this prize money, making this team, getting the Olympics rings tattooed,” Mitcham confessed. “I didn’t care about anything else… once I didn’t get that, it kind of changed the way that I viewed success.”
đź’” The Olympic Dream Deferred: Injury Shakes Mitcham’s Perspective
Injury not only cost Mitcham a chance at Olympic glory—it reshaped his definition of success entirely. “I was so proud of myself for going through a bunch of injuries and getting to the start line,” he said, reflecting on the journey that led to his absence from the Paris squad, which eventually took home bronze without him.
Having helped the team finish sixth at the 2025 World event in May, Mitcham is now aiming for redemption at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Though medals remain a major goal, Mitcham emphasizes that true victory lies in resilience. “Now I see it as more of like the person I am every day and who I bring to the track. And the fact that I can leave it out there and show resilience, be brave—that is why I see it as success.”
🎶 Rhythm and Resilience: Smokiecoco’s Debut on The Voice
In addition to his track accolades, Mitcham is a rising star in the music world. Alongside his brother Alex Mitcham, he performed on ITV’s The Voice (Series 11) as part of the sibling rap duo Smokiecoco. Their remix of Natasha Bedingfield’s “These Words” earned them a spot on will.i.am’s team, following in the footsteps of long jump specialist Jazmin Sawyers, who also graced the show during Series 6.
Although they bowed out in the second round, the experience left a lasting impression. “It was so cool, such a good experience. I would recommend it to anyone that sings,” said Mitcham. “It also just allowed me to experience some form of life outside of athletics.”
The performance was more than just a side project—it was Mitcham’s first time on stage, and he recalls the nerves vividly. “It was actually my first ever performance… I met some really cool people, had some good fun.”
🎠Stage Fright vs. Start Line: Which One Wins?
For someone used to packed stadiums, it’s surprising to hear what truly rattles Mitcham’s nerves. “Performing in front of a stage, easily!” he admitted. “On the track, your heart’s meant to be beating… but on a stage, it just makes you forget your lyrics.”
Despite having achieved global success on the athletics track, Mitcham finds the vulnerability of the stage a unique challenge. However, with each show under his belt, the tension begins to fade. “Now that I’ve done a few more shows, it might be a bit more even.”
🏅 Gold in Sight Again: LA 2028 Is Calling
Even with his love for music, athletics remains Mitcham’s core pursuit. When asked if he would have quit the sport had his music career taken off, he chuckled: “I don’t even want to answer that question! People always ask, would you rather be Drake or Usain Bolt? I don’t have the answer, unfortunately.”
One thing is clear: Mitcham’s heart is firmly anchored in athletics. “Athletics has always been at the centre of my heart, it’s always the dream that I am chasing every day,” he stated.
With the World Athletics Championships just two months away, Mitcham is eager to return to the podium. And though the Paris dream slipped away, the goal of LA 2028 burns brighter than ever.
