Shooting Australia warned about Michael Diamond’s erratic behaviour weeks ago, says Russell Mark

MICHAEL Diamond’s former sparring partner Russell Mark says he warned Shooting officials about the dual Olympic gold medallist’s erratic behaviour weeks ago.

Michael Diamond’s Rio Olympic dream is in serious jeopardy.

SHOOTING officials were warned weeks ago that Olympic star Michael Diamond may be headed for trouble and could need help.

Fellow Olympian Russell Mark, who has fallen out badly with Diamond, said he told Shooting Australia chief executive Damien Marangon over lunch of his concerns over Diamond’s recent behaviour.

Diamond is facing charges of driving with a blood alcohol reading three times the legal limit and having a firearm in custody while having alcohol in his system.

“I spoke to them about it but I’m not sure they really wanted to know about it,’’ Mark said.

“They should have taken action and they must take their share of responsibility.

“I actually feel sorry for Michael. Forget about Olympic medals.

“He needs help. I tried to help him.

“He had a go at me in some late night posts on Facebook but they were actually a scream for help from a guy with problems.

“It was only a matter of time before something like this happened.

Russell Mark says he warned shooting officials about Diamond’s erratic behaviour.

“When Michael is not drinking he is manageable but when he is drinking things become very difficult. It’s a sad story.’’

Concerns over Diamond intensified when he failed to attend the second day of an Australia Cup meeting in Sydney in March.

Another shooter said: “This is a very complex story. He is a quite likeable person but shouldn’t drink.’’

Diamond, as a two-time gold medallist, is the poster boy for the sport.

Diamond’s case for the return of his firearms licence is hindered by the fact that this is his second firearms charge, having had his firearms seized and being banned from training or competing when he had a protection order against him in 2003.

Michael Diamond’s Rio Olympic dream is in serious jeopardy.

Shooting Australia released a statement on Monday saying they are still trying to ascertain all the information relating to the charges.

“We can confirm that Shooting Australia is working closely with Michael to support him and to ensure that his welfare is protected,’’ the statement said.

“We are also communicating regularly with the Australian Olympic Committee and our other stakeholders, and we will continue to do so.”

Originally published as Shooting Australia warned about Michael Diamond’s erratic behaviour weeks ago, says Russell Mark