Adam MacDonald does the Phuket Marathon in style; Chris Batchelor “Palauan National 5km Open Water Swim Champion – a big fish in a very small pond”, reports the Palauan Post. Photo, Mark Stennett Photography.

On Sunday 10 June, 2012, Adam McDonald, who umpired our ANZAC Friendship Match this year, competed in the Phuket International Marathon. Adam finished in 57th place out of 524 runners.

Adam modestly writes, “Yes, (I) struggled through (but) no photos.  Just happy to finish”.

Adam’s then quickly  back on the attack with, “Next run is the half marathon at Sapa (near Hanoi) in September and then that half marathon at Angor Wat, Cambodia. That marathon raises money for land mine clearances”.

From all the Swannies, congratulations, Adam!

Meanwhile, over in Palau (near the Philippines), it’s time to catch up with the irrepressible Chris Batchelor again (formerly based in Hanoi). The last time we heard from Chris, he was scuba diving with his Swannies hat. This time he is blitzing in the ocean!

The highly regarded Palau Post reports that, “long distance swimmers Chris Batchelor and Holly Farlin shared the limelight as they topped their respective divisions in the 7′”‘ Open Ocean swim held at the magnificent beach of the world-class Palau Pacific Resort.”

The 54 year old Chris Batchelor, who has described himself as the “Palauan National 5km Open Water Swim Champion” goes on to modestly concede that he is “a big fish in a very small pond”.

Chris adds, “despite the glorious newspaper headline, three women came in before me – one of whom will represent Palau (as a swimmer) in the London Olympics. Surprisingly, she was the third woman to come in.”

Ah, Batchelor…, where’s the Swannies hat? Surely a school boy error not to have your Swannies’ hat when the press are circling?? “I didn’t anticipate making the distanc,e let alone victory, otherwise I would have prepared and worn the Swannies cap. Next time…”

Congratulations to Batchelor for swimming in a small pond!