Two-time Olympic shooting champion Michael Diamond has made the heartbreaking decision to sell his gold medals to pay debts and support his children.
Diamond, who won gold in the trap events at the 1996 and 2000 Olympics as well as five Commonwealth golds, will be auctioning off the medals he worked his whole life to achieve, theDaily Telegraph reports.
He described the sacrifice as an ‘absolute last resort’, after finding himself in crippling debt and unable to support his three daughters.
Michael Diamond (centre) will be auctioning off the two gold medals he worked his whole life to achieve in an effort to support his daughters and escape his crippling debt
The six-time Olympian insists he has no other choice, with his debts nearing the $200,000 mark as rent and car repayments continue to pile up.
‘I’ve got three beautiful young girls,’ he said. ‘That’s all that matters to me. Their schooling and upbringing,’ Mr Diamond said.
‘That’s why I’m prepared to make this sacrifice. It’s an absolute last resort.’
Having invested copious amounts of time, money and effort into his success from the age of seven, Mr Diamond had not made the soul-crushing decision lightly.
Michael Diamond described the sacrifice as an ‘absolute last resort’ to pay his debts
The six-time Olympian insists he has no other choice, with his debts nearing the $200,000 mark
‘There have been thousands and thousands of athletes who have been to the Olympics over the years who have never won a medal, let alone a gold,’ he said.
He was recently cleared of the three firearm convictions that scratched him from last year’s Rio Olympics, which would have been his seventh consecutive Games.
After being found guilty of firearm and drink driving offences last year, he lost his two major sponsors – gun and ammunition companies in Europe.
After being found guilty of firearm and drink driving offences last year, he lost his two major sponsors – gun and ammunition companies in Europe
Mr Diamond said his financial situtaion and reputation were destroyed as a result, leaving him unable to find employment.
He described the past 18 months as a ‘living hell’, but is determined to dedicate 2018 to rediscovering his sport and training for the Tokyo Olympics.
His medals are for sale from Lawsons Auctioneers in Leichhardt, and are expected to yield $100,000 each.
His medals are for sale from Lawsons Auctioneers in Leichhardt, with them expected to yield $100,000 each