The British Olympic Association (BOA) announced today that Lee Merrien has been added to Team GB to compete in the men’s marathon at the London 2012 Olympic Games. Merrien was the first British man home in last weekend’s London Marathon in a new personal best time of 2:13.41. His selection means that Team GB will now have a full complement of marathon runners.
The Guernsey athlete was originally not selected. He appealed through the formal UK Athletics appeal process. His appeal was unsuccessful however 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.
Lee Merrien, who is coached by John Nuttall, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have been selected and I’d like to thank the selection panel for recognising the nature of my run at the weekend. I am now on a short rest break with my family and then I will resume training as I aim to put in my best ever performance in London".
The marathon athletes were formally nominated to the BOA for selection to Team GB by UK Athletics, the National Governing Body for athletics in the UK.