CHRIS and Ashley Estwanik did something which no other husband and wife couple have done before by lifting both the men's and women's titles in Monday's Half-Marathon Derby.

And what many of our readers probably aren't aware of is that when the prizes for that race are handed out at the Leopards Club tonight, another chapter will be written in the history of local road running when Chris, Ashley and Peggy Couper, are all rewarded as first place finishers in their respective divisions.

Talk about a family affair!

Certainly that's never been achieved during the 99 years this unique and very Bermudian event has been held.

While Chris might be a born and bred American, his wife has been raised in one of the most Bermudian of all Bermudian families, the Butterfields.

Ashley's mother is Peggy Couper, a superb athlete in her own right, who is the sister of Jim Butterfield and the aunt of Tyler Butterfield, two of the best athletes this Island has ever produced.

Yet on a certain radio Talk Show this week, the eligibility of the two Derby winners was questioned.

Once again the xenophobia demonstrated by a small part of this community came to the fore.

Just for the record, Chris Estwanik, although an American citizen, was completely eligible to run as were all ex-pats who have lived on the Island for six months.

As for Ashley and Peggy, nobody could be considered more Bermudian.

Fortunately, Chris and Ashley's fellow runners, whether they were born here or not, have been lavish in their praise.

They realise that both have raised the bar for future generations of athletes and they also recognise that the affable couple while training for Monday's big race also spent much of their spare time talking to and training with their fellow competitors.

A picture in Monday's Gazette showing Chris embracing veteran Sylvester Jean-Pierre as he crossed the line perhaps best encapsulated the camaraderie that exists in the sport.

What a pity that there are still some who believe that victory is reserved for only a certain section of the population, and were determined to make race an issue in the post-race debate, when it never was.

As a prominent black journalist said some 30 years ago, the only race that matters in sport is the race to the finish line.

* * * *

HOW refreshing it was to hear Police announce last week that they would no longer tolerate those spectators who think they can stake out their territory in prime positions, particularly on Front Street and Cedar Avenue and all the way to the finish line, with brightly coloured paint, rope, tape or any other means days before the May 24 races and parade.

If they're so keen to get a good view, why isn't it that they can't get out of bed in the early hours of race day - as do the runners, cyclists and in-line skaters, and many other spectators - and make their way to the course and patiently wait for the entertainment to begin?

What is it that makes them think they can turn up at the last minute and claim their 'reserved' spot and deny anyone else?

Of course, it's these same people who make this special day the colourful, carnival that it is.But this Rock belongs to all Bermudians.

Why on May 24 is it that the 'first come, first served' policy is thrown out of the window?

In many ways doesn't this just typify the 'it's all about me' attitude so prevalent nowadays on this Island, and so recognisable among some of those who gather at the House of Assembly.

It would be interesting to hear whether Police actually prosecuted anyone last week? Probably not. And if they did, it would put a huge damper on what is a day enjoyed by everyone who either competes or watches.

But at least the message was sounded and perhaps next year some among our community will be a little more considerate - although like those drivers who park in the middle of the road and chat to their friends holding up a long line of traffic until they finish their conversation, they probably have nothing to fear!

* * * *

THIS newspaper, and this writer in particular, have never regarded the likes of chess, bridge or any other card game, as a sport.

But for the purpose of filling out the column this week, we'll make an exception.

Why does our Premier think he can fly more than 3,000 miles to play poker in an event at the Playboy mansion organised by his son and partially sponsored by taxpayers via the Department of Tourism, when the increasingly popular game is still banned here in Bermuda?

Less than a year ago, due mainly to the efforts of a particularly over-zealous police officer, sports clubs and bars were told that their liquor licences would be in jeopardy if they continued to allow poker to be played.

This, despite the fact that a blind eye is turned towards other forms of gambling such as bingo, often promoted by churches, and crown and anchor.

Poker is played by thousands in Bermuda online or in home games - by at least two MPs we know of and other prominent members of the community - yet it remains illegal.

Now it transpires the Premier is spending our money to play the same game overseas.

In the face of more Government hypocrisy . . . I fold!

* * * *

IF former national football coach Keith Tucker felt aggrieved at the way in which he was recently shoved out of that post, he can take some consolation from the fact that many more high profile coaches, such as Avram Grant, have suffered far worse injustices.

Just three days after taking Chelsea to a narrow shoot-out defeat in the final of the world's most prestigious club competition, and guiding that same club to second place in the most competitive league in the world, Grant got the boot.

If we needed any more evidence that those who control football at the top level have gone completely mad, then this was it!

- ADRIAN ROBSON