International

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․

He described the sacrifice as an 'absolute last resort', after finding himself in crippling debt and unable to support his three daughters.

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.