Oar-inspiring: Olympic rower completes equator crossing in 7:16

The 42 year-old silver medallist, who also holds the world record for her solo row across the English Channel, said she was awed by the excitement, enthusiasm and knowledge of her local supporters, 200 of whom were waiting on the beach at Fuahmulah when she arrived.

“It was a bit tricky getting through the rocks, but when I arrived I was given flowers, a coconut to drink, and many, many handshakes,” Batten says.

“I got back in the boat and went round to the harbour where the entire primary school was waiting – there was probably 500 people there too.”