Shooting: Games prospect blots copybook

Nadine Stanton is the subject of a complaint to police for throwing her shotgun to the ground during a club event last month. Picture / Richard Robinson

Commonwealth Games medal prospect Nadine Stanton is the subject of a complaint to police for throwing her shotgun to the ground during a club event last month.

Stanton, a Games double trap clay target pairs gold medallist four years ago, has admitted throwing the firearm during a Waikato Gun Club event in Hamilton, a serious offence in shooting circles.

Shooting Federation high performance manager Tony Waymouth said yesterday the firearm was not loaded and no one was in physical danger from Stanton's actions.

A complaint was made to the firearms department of Hamilton police.

District arms officer Bob Sherson confirmed police were investigating a complaint but he was not prepared to comment further.

The Waikato club and the federation both investigated the incident and both issued Stanton, 30, with a formal warning.

If she does it again she could be banned and removed from the national organisation's high performance squad.

The Games team are due to be named next month and Waymouth said Stanton remained eligible for selection.

Stanton regretted her actions but said the complaints were exaggerated.

"I was under a lot of pressure to make the qualifying score for the Commonwealth Games, and I expressed my frustration in what I admit may be a slightly unsportsmanlike way," she told NewstalkZB.

"Unfortunately some unidentified member who has not had the guts to put his name forward has made some gross exaggerations about what happened and decided to pursue it.

"That has compromised people's views of me and put me in a very precarious position."

Stanton flatly rejected reports that she threw a loaded gun.

"I would never mis-handle a loaded gun. It was unloaded, there were no shells in the gun. Those who know a shotgun know that a broken shotgun is not able to be fired."

Asked whether the complaints were a result of jealousy or envy from other shooters, Stanton said: "I don't wish to comment."

Stanton is regarded as one of this country's top gold medal contenders for the Games in Melbourne in March, having already picked up gold in the double trap pairs with Teresa Borrell and silver in the double trap in 2002 at Manchester.

The team were to be named today but the announcement has been delayed because of matters unrelated to the Stanton incident.

- NZPA