By Rachel Morton
An Australian couple who are both competing in shooting at the Olympics have been told they are not allowed to share a room at the games village.
The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) says bathroom sharing ratios mean Lauryn and Russell Mark cannot room together but it is unlikely that is the real reason.
The couple have been sharing a room at shooting events since the 2002 Commonwealth Games - before they were married. Russell says sharing a room makes it easier for the couple.
“Everything that you do that deviates from your normal activity is going to make it harder for yourself at the Olympic Games, and there's no event that's more stressful,” he says.
The AOC says bathroom ratios are to blame but it is understood the decision is punishment for Russell speaking out against a ban on sleeping pills and Lauryn's decision to pose for a men's magazine.
“Maybe they're not impressed with some of the views I’ve had in recent weeks but we should all be above that at the end of the day it's about trying to win a medal for Australia,” says Russell.
Russell will instead be sharing a room with team mate Michael Diamond - and has not ruled out asking him to wear a pink nighty.
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