Shooter turns down Olympic trip

A man from Somerset is turning down the chance of competing in the Olympics because he does not want to leave his farm or lose his father as coach.

Ed Ling, from Nynehead, represented Great Britain in the last games.

But, to represent his country as a clay pigeon shooter, Mr Ling needs to sign a contract and train virtually full-time with a coach in Italy.

Those behind the British team say the days of athletes training where they like, with who they like are over.

'Structured programme'

It said the new professional training regime is designed to get the very best out of competitors and to be part of Team GB a shooter has to sign a contract

John Leighton-Dyson, performance director, British Shooting, said: "The World Class programme in all the major Olympic sports is not a self-service menu - you cannot duck in and out and take what you want.

"It is a structured programme and everyone has to sign a contract."

Mr Ling said: "I enjoy shooting and representing my country at the highest levels here and abroad. I'm very disappointed I won't be going to Beijing."

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