Olympian angry over London room allocation

An Olympic gold medallist has been told by Australian officials that he is not allowed to share a room with his fellow Olympian wife at the upcoming London games because it would be “inappropriate”.

Shooter Russell Mark said the Australian Olympic Committee told him earlier this month that because the accommodation was multi-room apartments it would be inappropriate for them to share with other athletes, News.com.au reports.

“The reason they gave was the bathroom sharing ratio would be breached. What a load of rubbish,” Mark said.

On July 2, Mark was sent an email by Australian team chef de mission Nick Green saying he could not room with his wife, instead he had to share with fellow athlete Michael Diamond.

His wife, Lauryn, who will also compete in shooting, said the situation had thrown her Olympic preparations into disarray.

“We have roomed together for such a long time. It’s part of my routine,” she said.

“I have to be in a calm frame of mind to perform well.”

But last night, the AOC reportedly said the pair would be able to room together.

“We will hand the keys to the shooting section when they get to the village,” spokesman Mike Tancred said.

“If Shooting want to arrange accommodation where Russell and Lauryn can sleep together that’s OK with us.”

Mr Tancred said the request had been forwarded to shooting section manager Nick Sullivan a week ago.

But Mark said he was told by Mr Sullivan two days ago that he was still rooming with Diamond.

“I think the AOC hasn’t caught up with this,” Mark said.

“I suspect the real reason is I have upset someone over my Stillnox comments.”

He was the first current Olympian to criticise the AOC for its decision to ban Australian athletes from using Stillnox and two other sleeping medications at the upcoming games.

Source: News.com.au

Author: Emily Crane. Approving editor: Will Jackson.

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