Shoot for the stars

By Dion Teasdale
OLYMPIC gold medal shooter Russell Mark inspired business and community leaders in Lilydale last week.
Mr Mark was the guest speaker at a Shire of Yarra Ranges business breakfast at the Lilydale International on 23 February.
The breakfast was part of the shire’s Warming Up To The Games program and also featured a rousing performance by the Kahurangi Dance Theatre group from New Zealand.
Currently training for the Melbourne 2006 Commonwealth Games at the Lilydale Gun Club, Mr Mark entertained guests with highlights from his sporting career.
He spoke of the business, media and travel opportunities that have been afforded to him since winning gold at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
One of Mr Mark’s career highlights has been travelling to Malaysia to coach the younger brother of the Sultan of Brunei, one of the richest men in the world.
Other opportunities that have come his way, including joining the Herald Sun and Channel Nine as a sports commentator, and working as a representative of the Olympic Athletes Committee to lobby for compulsory blood testing in the lead up to the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000.
Mr Mark spoke about the importance of passion in achieving success in sport, business and life.
“It is the same fundamental principle to be successful in business or in your personal life as it is in sport,” he said.
“You need to set yourself goals, actually write down your dreams and aspirations and then work towards achieving them.”
Mr Marks said it was important to surround yourself with positive people and work to a plan.
“The old saying that ‘it is hard to soar with eagles when you are hanging around with turkeys’ is very true,” he said.
“You need to live for today and plan for tomorrow. You have 24 hours today to make the most of your life and now is the time to get started.”
Mr Marks, who will compete in the Commonwealth Games at the Lilydale Gun Club on Thursday, 23 March, said he is determined to add another a gold medal to his name.
“For me, it is about going out there and doing it for myself. It is about proving to myself how good I can be,” he said.