Just about the only thing that amused Olympic heptathlon champion Denise Lewis in Canada over the past few weeks was a copy of the Manx Independent in which local triathlete Graham Stigant admitted that she would be his first choice as a desert island companion.

Denise was spotted at Calgary airport by Graham’s wife Lorraine, en-route to Edmonton to join her husband at the World Triathlon Championships.

Lorraine said: “Having left the Isle of Man earlier that morning I just happened to have a copy of the Manx Independent with me.”

Inside, Graham told readers his favourite newspaper was the Indy for the sport coverage – and the person he would most like as a desert island companion was Denise Lewis.

Lorraine added: “As I left the plane at Calgary I thought – I know that face…”

“When I got to the baggage hall, I was more sure so I got the Manx Indi out of my duffel bag, turned to page 31 and approached the lovely lady.

“‘You are Denise Lewis aren’t you?’ I asked. Indeed she was! ‘Well, I hope you’ll excuse me but I just picked up the local paper this morning as I left the Isle of Man and you get a bit of a mention.’

“As she read the article she cracked up laughing and couldn’t believe it. She happily signed it – To Graham, so when are we going to this desert Island? -and drew a happy face and two kisses!”

She asked if she could keep the paper, Lorraine gladly obliging but asking if she could first pull out the Lifestyle article which had now been autographed by the Olympic champion.

But before she handed it over she added to the message ‘Good Luck, I will be cheering for you! Love Denise Lewis xx’.

And while Graham Stigant produced his best ever performance in the World Tritahlon Championships, Denise dropped out of the British team for the World Athletics Championships a week or so later due to a stomach complaint.

And in a touch of irony, the article next to the piece on Stigant gave a dozen trips to would-be travellers on how to beat the curse of stomach upsets on holiday.

Do you have a story about the regional press? Ring 0116 227 3122/3121, or
e-mail [email protected]