Merrien takes her place with greats

GUERNSEY is to have a new Sporting Hero. Alison Merrien will be formally inducted into the Guernsey Sports Commission's Sporting Heroes' Hall of Fame at its fifth anniversary gala dinner tomorrow evening.

The two-time world title holder will join other 'Guernsey greats' such as Andy Priaulx, Len Duquemin, Matt Le Tissier, Lisa Opie and Martine Le Moignan, all of whom have performed in their sport at the highest level.

'It's a wonderful honour and I was a little bit surprised,' said Merrien. 'It's a nice thought to get in while you're on top.'

It has been an amazing 12 months for Merrien and unsurprisingly that period is the highlight of her career.

'The last year with two world championship singles and the British title,' she said.

'To get three big ones in six months – I couldn't believe it myself until I did it. To get one was fantastic, but then to get the other two soon after was good.'