‘In Some Weird Way, We Have A Lot In Common’: Neil Agius Reflects On ‘Hundreds’ Of Jellyfish Stings
Many people absolutely hate jellyfish, but the Maltese ultraswimmer who’s probably been stung more than all of us combined actually has more of a “love-hate relationship” with the sea critters.
“They are one of the many things I cannot control while I’m swimming out in the elements,” Neil Agius wrote today, sharing a photo of his colourful jellyfish tattoo… but also a number of stings he’s collected over the years.
“I’ve been stung hundreds of times, on my face, legs, back, you name – I’ve gotten stung,” Agius continued. “Does it hurt? 100%, some more than others.”
Just last summer, nearly one year to the day, the former Maltese Olympian was actually forced to abandon what would’ve been a historic, record-breaking 100-mile swim from Mallorca to Malta after encountering a swarm of “relentless” jellyfish. Over the course of a number of hours in the middle of the night, Agius said he was stung at least 60 times.
“But I also understand that I am swimming in their ocean in their home and try to channel the stings to keep swimming further,” Agius reflected on the painful pests today. “In some weird way we have a lot in common…. super chill and just go with the flow of the ocean.”
Have you ever gotten stung by a jellyfish?
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