Dead-eye Diamond falls short

Stephen Hutcheon | (sydney Morning Herald ) August 10, 2008 - 5:50PM

Australia's Michael Diamond has failed to win his third Olympic gold, finishing fourth in the final of the men's trap shooting.

The gold medal was won by the Czech Republic's David Kostelecky with an Olympic record score of 146.

Italy's Giovanni Pelleilo finished with the silver on 143.

Diamond ended the final round on 142 - level with Russia's Alexey Alipov but lost the subsequent shoot-off.

Earlier, Diamond survived a tense three-way shoot-off to advance to the final of the men's trap shooting.

Diamond shot 119 after the second round to end the qualifying stage in equal fifth place.

He had to contest a shoot-off with Germany's Karsten Bindrich and Croatia's Josip Glasnovic - with Bindrich eventually missing out.

Going into the final round, the joint leaders, who each scored 121, were the Russian Alipov and the Czech Kostelecky.

Olympic Profile - MICHAEL DIAMOND -

As part of a series of profiles of leading Australian Olympians, John Coomber talks to trap shooting master Michael Diamond, who will be seeking a third gold medal in Beijing.   By John Coomber, Senior Sports Write   SYDNEY, AAP

Michael Diamond's heart is turning somersaults at 135 beats a minute. Yet inside his mind there is calm and order.   He lifts the Perazzi double-barrelled shotgun to his right shoulder as if in a trance. Somewhere between his subconscious and reality a familiar voice whispers: "Trust yourself, Michael."  

His mind narrows to a single point and his eye locks on an imaginary window of sunlight 20 metres ahead of him.   He calls "pull" and a voice-activated machine flings a 10cm wide orange saucer through that window at more than 100km/hr.   He does not know whether it will go high or low, left or right.  

Within 0.2 and 0.4 of a second - not much more than it takes to blink - Diamond will have sighted it, judged its flight, calculated an aiming point about 45cm ahead of it and knocked it out of the sky.   "There's a compartment in my mind .. a sight picture," he says.

"You can actually see everything co-ordinating together. It almost appears in slow motion.   "You can see the little red dot (sight) on the end of your gun approaching the target, go past the target. You pull the trigger and turn it to dust.   "The trick is, when you're calling for that target, when that target appears, I can see it round, I can see it perfect, like it's sitting just there on top of that trap house.   "That's where the game begins and ends. It's won and lost right there. If you don't see it - if you see a flash or a blur - you're done.   "If you're looking in the correct spot, the human mind and the eyes can see anything that you want them to. You've just got to give them the information so they can process it.   "It's about shutting out your emotions and your feelings and just letting it happen."  

That is Diamond's secret. Letting it happen.  

It explains why he can hit that spinning orange saucer 148 times out of 150, as he did in winning his fifth world championship in Cyprus last year, and again at a World Cup in Texas a couple of months ago, equalling his world record.  

None of which he could do if it weren't for the familiar voice in his head.   It belongs to his father Con, who taught him to shoot when he was eight years old and died shortly before Michael won his second Olympic gold medal in Sydney.   "My father's voice comes to me every time before a shot, then it clears and there's only the target," he says.   Diamond has built his career on the strength his father bequeathed him.   During the course of this interview, Diamond says things like "When we were at the world championships in America", "When we went to Germany", etc.   He doesn't realise he is doing it, and is surprised when it is pointed out to him.   "Really, did I say we? I had no idea," he says.   The other person is, of course, his father. Eight years after his death, Con Diamond remains by his son's side, never more so than in the heat of competition.   "I hear his voice constantly. I always will. In situations like world championships and Olympics his advice is gold."   In most cases, that can be taken literally.   Diamond, 36, has won two Olympic gold medals (Atlanta and Sydney), four Commonwealth Games gold medals (two of them in pairs events), five world championships and more World Cup events than he can keep count of.   His ability to shoot those little orange saucers out of the sky is almost preternatural.   Especially given how little he practises.  

In full training, Diamond shoots once a week. He turns up at a gun club near Newcastle, bangs off two rounds of 25 targets, and goes home.   "That's all I need. It's something that you really can't improve in practice, because there's nothing on. There's no heart rate, there's no mental training.   "The only thing you can practise is the mechanics of it ... to see that target and practise not moving your gun before you see the target."   Turn up, have a yarn to the caretaker, have a few shots and go home. Plenty of club shooters practise more than he does.   Diamond shoots only when he feels like it.   "I think that's my secret really," he says.   He does work harder at his cardiovascular fitness, riding a bike for about 45 minutes a day to help him cope with the stress of competition, and doing the occasional weights session to enhance muscle tone.  

His main strength, however, is inside his mind. Rather than fear the stress of competition in Beijing, Diamond can't wait for it. Under extreme pressure is when he is at his most comfortable and confident. Simply, he trusts himself.   "I'm where I want to be now. I feel strong and fit and I'm going to go out there and feel and think just like I always have. From late 2007 to now I've really come on nice and strong and that's because I'm trusting myself. I'm having a go.   "To tell you the truth I find it hard to function unless I'm at those world events now. It's amazing what you can get used to - the pressure you can get used to.   "A little bit of nerves keeps you nice and sharp, whereas when you're relaxed you become complacent and make mistakes. I have to have my heart rate up to stay sharp."  

Should Diamond win in Beijing he will join the very few who have won gold medals in three separate Olympics.   Four years ago in Athens he missed the final by one shot but believes he was never in with a realistic chance.   His preparation was thrown into disarray when he was charged with assaulting  former girlfriend Tracey Kennedy in a bowling club car park near Canberra.   He was subsequently cleared after two witnesses came forward in support of him, but Diamond was unable to shoot for six months because his gun licence was suspended while the charge remained outstanding.   "It was hell at the time," he said. "I was physically unfit, depressed.

That's Diamond in a phrase. Turn up and win.   Nothing, it seems, can shake him or his self-confidence.   He'll pack the trusty 14-year-old Perazzi that he won with in Atlanta and Sydney ("I suppose it's technologically a bit out of date, but that doesn't stop it pointing straight"), turn up, and starting knocking the little saucers out of the Chinese sky.   And every time he lifts it to his shoulder, there'll be that little voice inside his head telling him to trust himself.   "My father was a good man, a strong man. He taught me everything I need to know. I hope he'll be up there breaking `em for me, God love him."   AAP jc/mo

RUDDER back - with ROOSTERS

By Josh Massoud - June 25, 2009. 12.00am

Sean Rudder... familiar face, unfamiliar strip- Photograph by Brett Costello/ The Daily Telegraph.

There was a time Sean Rudder needed no introduction. Back when he starred outside Andrew Johns, Rudder's carrot-top became synonymous with premiership glory when Newcastle won the 2001 title.

But given five years have passed since he was last spotted in the NRL, Rudder had to start all over again after being selected to make his first top-grade appearance in 1749 days with the Roosters.

"I might be one of the older guys, but i feel like I'm making my debut" he said

The trademark ginger mop is about the only thing that's stayed the same. Emerging from a global sabbatical that's taken him from Taren Point to Tokyo, the 29year old is now tri lingual after expanding his footballing horizons to France and Japan.

Rudder's resume has also expanded somewhat. It now takes includes a Tertiary Entrance Rank, a first semester at University - and six months working at the Taren Point Bottle-O.

Between his previous NRL appearance in the 2003 finals and Friday night's Roosters-Bulldogs grudge match, Rudder has traipsed 100,000 km in search of his footballing niche.

After leaving the Knights for Castleford, his UK Super League bid was thwarted by a dislocated shoulder. The Singleton product returned home seeking a second chance from his old coach Michael Hagan.

But Hagan could only offer him a minimum wage so Rudder elected to take up a healthy offer from incoming Super League club Les Catalans. He spent 2005-06 in the south of France, before the challenge of an NRL comeback beckoned.

"That's why I was really disappointed not to get picked up by someone," Rudder said of last seaon's efforts to re-kindle his Australian career. "I didn't get a look in, so my mate hooked me up a start with his local rugby club Southern Districts".

Rudder had not played union since school, but shifted to Cronulla to base himself near the backwaters of Foreshaw Rugby Oval. he supplemented a part time income with shifts at the nearby Taren Point Hotel.

"I worked as a bottleshop attendant for six months" he said. "No one really recognised me. Sometimes, when i gave my name people would say, "Didn't you play footy?" "that was about it".

With options limited, Rudder decided to obtain a TER. but just as higher education beckoned, former Knights mentor Tony Butterfield offered him a deal with Tokyo-based rugby club Ricoh.

"I lived in Japan for six months" Rudder continued. "I loved the lifestyle but it was hard getting a run because they could only have two imports.  When I came back again this year, I wasn't going to play at all.  My aim was to find part-time work and start my Social Science Degree at NSW University.

Again Butterfield proved to be the circuit-breaker. He rang Rudder two months ago advising him of an opportunity at the Rooster's feeder club Newtown.

Unable to quite exorcise his passion for football, Rudder accepted and has been plugging away at Henson Park ever since.

"Freddy just rang me out of the blue and said come down to training.  I hadnt even spoken to him before that" Rudder said.  "then (yesterday) at the pool session, he said "I am going to give you a crack this week". 

"it was pretty strange actuallyu, because I thought I was finished.

Monk  and Mitsubishi Team Up

DIAMOND ON TARGET FOR HIS 5TH OLYMPICS ! 

Michael Diamond is going to his 5th Olympics.  This was confirmed recently by winning his fourth and final round of the Olympic Qualifying series in Sydney on the 9th of March.

Chasing an unprecedented 3rd Gold Medal in Beijing, Michael was emotional after achieving an incredible 5th trip to represent Australia.  "My parent made so many sacrifices over the years to get me to this place - I owe them just so much and i want them to be proud of their son".  If I am selected to carry the flag at the opening ceremony as I am told I am in the runnning to do, then that would be an unbelievable honourand if my Dad were alive he would be speechless - will just have to wait and see on that one!".

On his trip to Beijing, Diamond says he is motivated to bring home the Gold. "I am going to go there with plenty of hunger and believe I am capable of beating the worlds best on the day, and winning a 3rd Gold medal - only Dawn Fraser has done that and she is an incredible inspiration for me".

2020 Sports wish you all the very best  Michael!!

( FROM THE DAILY TELEGRAPH - Wednesday 31st October , 2007)

He is being promoted at Australia's next superstar of the pool in the wake of Ian Thorpe's retirement - but all Kenrick Monk wants is to be known as the boy next door.

"A big man with big boots to fill against the sport's biggest names tells Will Swanton what it feels like"   (from the Sydney Morning Herald 18/3/2007)

Michael Phelps and Pieter van den Hoogen band will stand on the blocks with an aura. Kenrick someone will stand on the blocks without one.  "They are only flesh and blood" Kenrick someone says.

Ian Thorpe's retirement shattered Phelps & van den Hoogenband. He robbed them of their greatest ambition:  to give him a  flogging at the Beijing Olympics.  Or beat him by a whisker, either would do..

"Phelps and van den Hoogenband, they're the best in the world, but get me out there" the 19 year old says.  "I want to see how I go.  I want to see if I can give them some.  I want to get out there and see if I can make a name for myself".

"I've just watched them at the Olympics &  world championships while I have been growing up, just as I watched Thorpey.  They are just another bunch of blokes.  They've been faster through the water, but I can go faster too.  Van den Hoogenband and Phelps, they are the worlds best and you have to give them credit for that, but I want to become one of the world's best as well. I want to get out there and show them what I've got"

Kenrick someone is built like a brick outhouse, but it hasnt always been this way.  Cute little Kenrick with his scrawny little frame has beome a blonde Adonis.  Female members of the Australian team have looked at his transformation ... and looked again.  Well, hello.

He is 195cm tall and weighs 96 kilos.  His shoulders are so broad they could cover lanes one to eight inclusive.

He does not have a single endorsement deal, but if he fires at Rod Laver Arena, kenrick someone will be beating off sponsors with a stick.

" I know next week is a big chance for me" he says. 

All this must be in perspective of course.  Taking Thorpe's place in the 200m freestyle ensures Kenrick someone will be  closely scrutinised but in reality if he beats either Phelps of van den Hoogenband it will be an upset of gargantuan proportions.  Maybe he is the goods, maybe he's a dud. Maybe all this will blow up in his face.  Making the final would be highly recommended.

he will race van den Hoogenband and Phelps in the 200m. He will let rip in the 4 x 100m and 4 x 200m freestyle relays because in all three events, he is the new Thorpe.

But Kenrick someone, cares little for comparisons with his predecessor.  This si a simple game and he is a sprinter. He will dive in and go like the clappers. It is not rocket science......

Kenrick knows he is facing two greats.  Truth is, there is every chance neither of them has the faintest clue who Kenrick someone is.  "I cant imagine them giving me anything more than a nod" he says " I dont even know if they'd know who I am.  i am flying under the radar".

HIS NAME IS KENRICK MONK.

for more information please Click Here.

Kenrick attended the World Championships in the following events:

• Sunday 25th March 4 x 100m free relay heat am - final pm
• Monday 26th March 200m free heat am and semi in the pm
• Tuesday 27 March 200 free final - pm
• Friday 30th March 4 x 200 relay free heat am - final pm.

Other sites for interested viewers:

www.swimming.org.au

www.melbourne2007.com.au

For further information on Kenrick Monk or for sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tony Butterfield on 0412 683765

INTRODUCING THE 2020 SPORTS MOTO TEAM !

 Paul Caslick, Rohan Tungate, Luke Richards and Luke Gough

2020 SPORTS MOTO TEAM TO ESTABLISH A CLEARER PATH TO INTERNATIONAL SCENE!!

2020 Sports has established a highly credentialed racing team in an effort to develop and deliver a more predictable pathway for young Australian motorcyclists seeking international opportunity.

With Australia's two leading domestic riders, Luke Gough - 19yrs ( Australian Champion 2006) and Paul Caslick - 38 yrs (2nd in Australian Championships), 2020 Sports Moto Team will represent Australia next week at the biggest motorcycle meet in the world - THE DAYTONA GRAND NATIONAL in Florida.

The team also comprises (though not travelling this time), two of Australia's most prolific junior champions in Kurri's Rohan Tungate (17yrs) and Singleton's Luke Richards (16yrs), who will make his Senior ( over 16yrs) debut later this year.  Tungate amazingly took out the Senior 250cc Australian Championship last year in his debut year.

2020 Sports managing director, Tony Butterfield believes the "everyman for themselves" mentality has seen too many young blokes blow their chance.

"There is no blue-print as to how a young Aussie hopeful gets to the big time internationally.  Its extremely tough to even get your foot in the door particularly in the road racing and Moto GP scene in Europe." 

Too many hopeful riders have struggled in the past for want of contacts, experience and knowledgeable support.  Our ultimate aim, and the core focus for this trip is to gather the right intelligence and meet and develop contacts and relationships with manufacturers, Team owners, distributors and sponsors which can benefit our current and future riders" Butterfield said.

"The key to this Team is the quality of the riders and the reputation, experience and industry knowledge that the team manager, Paul Caslick will bring to the table.  Paul has been a legend in Motorcycling for nearly 20 years and has been involved with the Hunter riders when the likes of Stoner and Reed were coming through the ranks. Paul's roles which include individual coaching and mentoring of each rider, are the backbone of this venure and will ensure we meet the right people, get the right information and have the right equipment to train our blokes for the jump in standard and meet other challenges that await".

For more information on the 2020 Sports Moto Team , call Tony on 0412 683765.