Lee Merrien misses automatic 2012 qualification

Guernseyman Lee Merrien says he is "gutted" to miss out on automatic selection for the London Olympics following the IAAF World Athletics championships.

He needed a top 20 finish in the marathon but could only manage 22nd in the muggy temperatures in Daegu, South Korea.

He will have another chance to qualify for the 2012 team in the Spring.

Having been the fastest man in the London Marathon just a few months ago, it was a challenge he was more than capable of.

But things didnt go to plan. His time of two hours, 16 minutes and 59 seconds saw him come in 22nd place - agonisingly close, but not enough.

Defending world champion Kenyan Abel Kirui was almost 10 minutes ahead in a time of two hours seven minutes 38 seconds.

From Channel TV



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