Press Release issued by Boulder Wave five minutes ago…
Lee Merrien Named to UK Olympic Men’s Marathon Team!
April 27, 2012
The British Olympic Association has today formally named Lee Merrien to the UK Olympic team in the men’s marathon for this summer’s London Olympic Games.
Merrien was at first left off Team GB when the Olympic marathon team was announced this past Monday afternoon, with selectors selecting only two men, despite the 2:13:41 PB run by Merrien in winning the UK men’s championship title as part of last Sunday’s Virgin London Marathon. With the IAAF having set a standard of 2:15:00, Merrien was well within the qualifying time, and a grassroots show of support across the UK by running fans and media helped to prompt UK Athletics to reevaluate their decision.
According to UK Athletics website today, Merrien’s appeal this week for selection was denied, but “the Selection Panel was asked to reconsider if exceptional circumstances existed, as it could under the policy. The UKA Selection Panel therefore reconvened and following consideration of all relevant facts and using its expert opinion, exercised its discretion to nominate Lee Merrien to the BOA.”
When reached today, Merrien was on a beach near his home on Guernsey in the Channel Island, playing with his three- year old son, Thomas. Merrien commented, “Well, of course, I am absolutely delighted by this turn of events. I felt I had done the hard work and earned my way onto the team. The show of support here this week on my behalf has been unbelievable, especially that Facebook page [an impromptu Facebook page named ‘Select Lee Merrien’ created by a fan this week quickly gained nearly 3,000 Likes]. I hadn’t expected anything like that. The phone calls haven’t stopped today. I want to thank the selectors for viewing my case again, and I will be very proud to represent the UK this summer. I will absolutely make the most of this opportunity.”
The 2012 men’s Olympic marathon will be held on August 12th.
Merrien is represented by Boulder Wave, and coached by John Nuttal. He is sponsored by ASICS and is a member of the Essex and Newham Beagles track club in the UK. In addition to son Thomas, Lee and his wife Teresa also have an infant daughter, Jessica.
Please contact Brendan Reilly with any questions or comments. Brendan@boulderwave.com or cell phone +1-720-280-2689
