It’s a pity that an Australian Olympic gold medal winner gives poor messages to the community. Yet just last month Olympic shooter Russell Mark did just that.

Mr Mark gave his view on sledging during sporting activities, to those listening to ABC Radio in Victoria.

There’s not much to be said in favour of sledging but we hope that does not mean that those who sledge should be threatened with a weapon or fired at with a shotgun.

Now it may be that Mr Mark intends his radio comments to be confined to shooting practices only. If this is the case then cricketers and footballers may well be spared this new threat, but pity help shooters with strong expressive views who compete with our Olympic gold medalist.

On 23 December 2003 Mr Russell Mark told his ABC Victoria radio audience:

“No one is stupid enough to sledge someone who has a 12 gauge shotgun in their hands”

And it’s not the first time that Mr Mark has made similar comments on ABC Radio. About a year ago he said much the same while being interviewed by ABC journalist Virginia Trioli.

One thing seems certain: Mr Russell Mark has a strange view of what it means to be a ‘sportsman’.

Oh, just to broaden the picture, Mr Mark has revealed his views on our gun laws to a major gun magazine. Yes you’re right – he wants to weaken them.