GRIFFITH’S Mitchell McConachy has captured the attention of Nick Kyrgios and the spotlight of national media.
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The Marian Catholic College student said the idea to cover his face in Vegemite was born out of boredom during the school holidays, along with a little bit of inspiration.
“I don't know, just trying to get a response, I didn't think he would (respond) but when he did, he's like ‘Where's the Vegemite?’,” Mitchell said when asked where the idea came from.
“So, I had to go out, got some Vegemite and I did it...it was a good laugh.
“I saw someone do it with peanut butter, thought it was pretty funny, so why not.”
All of Mitchell’s mates had heard of his antics after his face was plastered all over Facebook and received airtime on Channel Ten’s The Project.
The 17-year-old said he expects the fanfare to die down but will make the most of it while it lasts.
Fellow Kyrgios fans have jumped in on the craze, covering their faces with various condiments to show their support for Kyrgios.
The response hasn’t all been positive though.
In response to some social media users comparing the vegemite stunt to blackface, Mitchell said that was never his aim
“Some people see it as blackface, I had no intention for that. Someone tried to make something out of nothing,” he said.
While some people don’t like Kyrgios’ style, Mitchell pointed out that he was still young and compared him to one of the all-time greats.
“Just his attitude I guess,” Mitchell said in response to why Kyrgios rubbed some people the wrong way.
“He’s 20 years old, he’s just a kid. Roger Federer had an attitude as well.”
It all started when Mitchell put a post on Krygios’ Facebook page.
“IF YOU REPLY TO THIS I’LL COVER MY FACE IN VEGEMITE,” he wrote.
He followed that post with: “btw nice game against raonic.”
Mitchell got a bite from Krygios when he posted this: “enjoy watching you play so much, such a tactical genius and you look like you dont even try! good luck against gasquet buddy you got this.”
Krygios replied: “Oi! Where is this full face of vegemite? If you send it to me I will post it on my page!”
Mitchell replied ‘give me 30 minutes’.
A short time later he posted a photo of himself with his face covered in vegemite.
“cant believe I did this,” he wrote.
“only for you nick.”
Krygios was suitably impressed.
“HAHAHAHAHAHA this is so awesome – thanks so much for the support dude. I will post it now. Doesn’t get more Australian than support of your locals and a full face of vegemite.”
“glad you loved it, dont think I wouldve done this for anyone else. good luck against Gasquet you’ve got this.”
“Thanks man I’ll do my best!” Krygios replied.
A post of Kyrgios’ Facebook page read “I get some pretty awesome support messages from my fans every day, but this one seriously is up there. Loyal support from home! #AustralianFans #Vegemite
Other loyal fans decided to follow suit.
A Facebook page titled Vegemite Boy has been set up.
