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Shooting for a Record
Russell Mark has been joint number one ticket holder with the Tigers for a number of years and proudly so. The Olympic Gold medallist is about to head to his seventh Olympic games, six as a competitor. In 2004 he went as a coach. Russell and his wife Lauryn are both London bound as members of the Australian shooting team which is quite an achievement, especially as they have two children, Sierra and Indiana. Media Manager Kevin Hillier caught up with Russell as he prepares for the Olympics.
KH: What has driven you to compete in London?
RM: I think it’s my love of still trying to compete at the highest level and taking motivation from negative people who say it can’t be done
KH: What are your hopes for London?
RM: I shot a new Australian record two months ago - 195 out of 200 targets. If I do that in London it will win. I am not going all that way to collect memorabilia, let me tell you.
KH: How are you and Lauryn going to juggle you both competing?
RM: I am not sure of the rooming arrangements in the village. We have a great nanny to stay home and look after the kids.
KH: What are you looking at doing after London? Is that the end?
RM: I would like to retire after the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. I will be 50 then.
KH: Finally, describe that moment when you won Gold because you have had time to reflect on it now.
RM: No doubt as an athlete you need to have “Olympic Gold Medallist” ticked off to complete the resume. In 1996 the Olympics was the only major title I had not won, so it was a great relief to do that.
Russell is a great ambassador for the City of Wyndham, the Werribee Football Club, his sport and his family. We wish him well in London and also Lauryn, as she chases her Olympic dream.
Last Modified on 21/05/2012 19:26