‘Malta, Stand Up’: Jon Mallia Shares Inspirational Message About Neil Agius On Morning Of Epic Swim
They say real recognise real, and that’s exactly what Jon Mallia brought with his post about Neil Agius this morning.
“Neil is, first and foremost, a big asset to this country’s self-esteem,” the beloved podcaster, rapper (and judging by this post, bonafide poet) started his status earlier this morning as the former Olympian was getting ready to embark on an insane 160-kilometre swim around the entire Maltese Archipelago (and then some). “A Maltese person like you is attempting a world record that, if you truly had to think about it, you’d conclude is impossible”.
“That’s why Neil Agius is such a strong unifying force,” Mallia continued. “That’s why he transcends this country’s grotesque and primarily partisan divide. Because he makes you believe that, no matter what irritates us in this country, the Maltese person can still shine.”
“And buried under the cynicism, the fatigue, the aversion we have towards each, that wish continues tingling within our collective spirits,” Mallia continued. “And Neil is the keeper of that flame, from time to time going down into the abyss of the Maltese psyche to give it oxygen.”
“Thanks Neil, Malta is indebted to you,” Jon finished. “I am behind you, always and everywhere. Malta, stand up.”
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Neil kicked off his Little Island, Big Swim just after 9am this morning from Mellieħa Bay. His route sees him turning southeast, circling the entire mainland, before heading to Gozo tomorrow and continuing until he completes 160 kilometres. For context, the actual route around the entire archipelago is 104 kilometres, so Neil will actually end up restarting the entire perimeter once again to reach his target.
By 1pm today, a mere four hours into his estimated three-day swim, Neil had already swam past St. Paul’s Islands, Salina Bay, and could be tracked at Baħar Iċ-Ċagħaq, essentially already swimming by the entire Coast Road.
Share this post if you agree with Jon Mallia’s incredible words of praise!
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