Lauryn, 35 hour flight and then lost firearms

Categorized | Lauryn Mark

Lauryn, 35 hour flight and then lost firearms

Posted on 18 May 2011. Tags: Lauryn Mark

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Lauryn, 35 hour flight and then lost firearms

I have just woken up in my hotel in Belgrade hoping that the last few days would turn out to be a bad dream. I have come to Belgrade to compete in the European Grand Prix, another qualifying competition in the Olympic campaign.

We left Australia on Saturday 14th May where we travelled 35 hours through Singapore to Frankfurt and then connected to Belgrade. We arrived on schedule but unfortunately, Russell’s and my guns have not.

The baggage services took the details and we have proceeded to follow them up over the last few days to no avail. The worst part is that the airline companies do not seem to have any idea where the firearms are. As our equipment is very specialized I have had to withdraw myself from this important competition this morning.

There are plenty of reasons that I am disappointed that I can not compete, a lost Olympic qualifying competition opportunity and leaving my children un-necessarily but the thing I am most concerned about at the moment, is where is the firearms I have spent years getting right?

And when will I get it back?

I have another qualification event in Sydney in two weeks that I definitely need to be in good form for. One thing I do know, is that this may be a down in my Olympic Campaign but I will not let it get me down.

I will only let this make me stronger and I will only work harder to get back on track.

Keep your fingers crossed our guns turn up soon.

Lauryn

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DJMH

A 35 hour flight is bad enough at the best of times, let alone your guns getting lost and missing the competition. I really feel for you and admire your positive attitude, best of luck.
shooting fan

So sorry to hear that Lauryn, I certainly hope your guns turn up soon
http://www.sportstar.com Karla Bernardo

Very sorry to hear about the gear! It must be disappointing. Fingers crossed they turn up.
Anonymous

So disappointing for you both, Lauryn. Good on you for being so positive in spite of everything – that’s the spirit that will get you to London. The very best of luck with the qualifier in Sydney.
Lauryn Mark

Thanks to you all for your kind comments. I am pleased to say that our guns finally found us. A day too late for me but just in time for Russell. Russell managed to shoot a fantastic Olympic qualifying score with the highest result he has had in 10 years. I also managed to shoot some training on the World Championship venue. Although this was a far from ideal trip for me I at least feel that now it wasn’t a complete waste of time.

Anonymous

Well done to Russell, a great effort. Such a shame for you but what a relief you don’t have to get new guns and set them all up again etc. Good luck in Sydney, Lauryn, I hope you get the scores you need.

Categorized | Lauryn Mark