Maltese ultra-endurance swimmer Neil Agius has done it again, showing the world that Malta’s size has nothing to do with its ability to make waves—literally.
The Ocean Mindset advocate has just scooped up two major prestigious awards from the World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA), cementing his status as a global powerhouse in both sports and environmental advocacy.
Agius was honoured with the WOWSA Performance of the Year for his jaw-dropping 142.3 km swim around Malta and Gozo, an unassisted, current-neutral ocean swim that took 60 hours, 35 minutes, and 4 seconds.
But that wasn’t enough for our local Poseidon. Agius also picked up the WOWSA Man of the Year (Silver Award), recognising his unparalleled contributions to open water swimming and his relentless work for marine conservation.
Agius himself summed it up best,”Being honoured with these two WOWSA Awards is proof that we no longer need to subscribe to the narrative that being from a small island limits our ability to achieve global recognition in sport. Malta is not a limitation—it’s a strength. With the right mindset, dedication, and team, we can stand alongside the best in the world.”
In September 2024, Agius embarked on this Herculean swim, starting at Mellieħa Bay and circumnavigating Malta, Gozo and Comino. Battling rough seas, cold nights, and sleep deprivation, he emerged at Għar Lapsi with a new world record for the longest unassisted, current-neutral ocean swim ever recorded.
But it wasn’t just about the record. Throughout his journey, Agius collaborated with local NGOs to raise awareness about marine conservation, shining a light on the fragile state of Malta’s marine habitats and inspiring action to protect our seas.
When he’s not swimming, Agius is all about promoting “The Ocean Mindset,” a set of techniques he developed to enhance mental and physical resilience.
Through events and workshops, he offers tools like breathwork and ice baths to help people handle life’s challenges with the same grit that got him through his monumental swim.
Neil Agius isn’t just making history—he’s showing us all what happens when ambition meets endurance. He’s the kind of guy who makes us proud to be Maltese, reminding us that even the smallest island can produce world-class talent.
Well done Neil!
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Publish date : 2025-02-20 22:33:00
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