YOU’VE got to search for the hero inside yourself, British Olympic gold medallist Steve Cram told a gathering of the shining lights in our sporting community this week.

And that’s something Guernsey’s sports stars already know all about. At Wednesday’s awards for sporting achievement it was clearer than ever before just how far they have come.

Guernsey’s reputation as a sporting island is well documented but now a growing field of impressive names is making the judges’ decisions increasingly difficult.

From athlete Dale Garland’s 2008 successes and selection for Beijing to bowls star Alison Merrien’s world cup victory, there was real celebration in the air. Yet there was something else, too. Excitement and expectation is rising.

Not only does London 2012 draw ever nearer but our sportsmen and women continue to make their international marks.

With 16-year-old tennis player Heather Watson now ranked UK junior number two, athlete Lee Merrien in the running for another GB vest and the island’s top table tennis player Alice Loveridge striving to fly the flag for Guernsey, there feels like much to look forward to.

So just how does a tiny island like ours make such huge strides in the highly competitive world of sport?

Stuart Falla, of event organisers the Guernsey Sports Commission, believes a very special local combination of individuals, generous support (from both voluntary and financial sources) and a strong sporting environment is key. Only today we see yet another example, with the latest launch of the biennial Youth Games.

With such assets in our locker, we look set to develop even more champions in the future.

But he also spoke of the need for a strategic approach, with more work done on planning and sponsorship if Guernsey is to realise its full potential at the London games.

Echoing the message, guest speaker Cram finished with a tale of how, as a Tyneside teenager with limited funds, gaining modest sponsorship had quite literally helped him achieve his  dream. And while money can never guarantee success, it can, he said, help provide it.

His inspirational words will have struck a chord with many at what was a wonderful evening of recognition for local sport

‘Never underestimate how much these evenings mean,’ said Cram.

Judging by our outstanding sporting community, it’s unlikely we will.