Five time Olympian Russell Mark (VIC) has signaled his intentions ahead of the 2012 London Olympic Games by breaking the Australian men’s double trap record yesterday at Australia Cup 2 in Lilydale, Victoria.
 
The 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games gold medalist shot a stunning 145 from 150 in the qualification rounds before shooting a perfect 50 in the final to finish with a total of 195.
 
It beat the old Australian mark of 193 by two targets, which had been held by himself and Michael Diamond (QLD).
 
The performance all but secures the dual Olympic medalist the chance to compete at his sixth Olympic Games later this year in London, with the Victorian now well ahead in the selection race for the one men’s double trap place Australia has qualified.
 
Mark, who celebrated his 48th birthday last week, said his performance now gave him the confidence to chase podium finishes on the international circuit.
 
“To shoot my highest score ever at the start of what is such an important year is very encouraging,” Mark said.
 
“I have started using a new Beretta gun over the last two weeks and it suits me more than I could have imagined.
 
“It’s a prototype that only two of us in the world have and it has given me a new confidence heading into the first World Cup of the season in the United States.
 
“The goal now is to transfer this performance into medals at the World Cups and then obviously in London.”
 
The Australian shotgun team will be nominated to the Australian Olympic Committee at the conclusion of the London World Cup (April 18-29) which also serves as the official test event for the 2012 London Olympic Games.

Australian International Shooting Ltd.