Neil Agius’ Record-Shattering 100 Mile Swim Potentially Starts Next Week
After months of gruelling training, gnarly jellyfish stings, and intense psychological preparation, Neil Agius just announced that he’ll be flying to Spain in the next 24 hours.
Once there, he will potentially be embarking upon a world-first record attempt at the longest unassisted, current neutral, non-stop open water sea swim ever – and it could begin next week.
“There is a potential weather window opening next week, so I would like to go there and get into the right headspace – and the team will be there working hard to make sure we have everything we need,” Agius said.
The “100 Mile Swim” will start in the coastal waters of Mallorca – before he paddles his way around the west coast of Ibiza, where he will eventually touch back down on the eastern coast.
By the time he’s done so, he’ll have covered approximately 160 kilometres.
This inspiring task has already started to attract support from all over the world.
“The last 10 months are really narrowing down into the last 10 days – all that work we’ve done is bearing its fruits already, the whole team is coming together,” he said.
The team have estimated that Agius’ arms will have to put in around 175,000 strokes to get him where he needs to go – and they’ll be doing so in support of a message and cause that couldn’t be more worthy of this immense effort.
The former-olympian is using the swim to raise awareness, and help lobbying efforts aimed to ensure that governments sign up for and properly implement the United Nations Treaty of the High Seas – which was adopted in New York on June 19th, establishing area-based management tools for ocean preservation.
To ensure a higher rate of effectiveness, these need to include marine protected areas – to conserve and sustainably manage vital habitats and species.
According to the UN, only about one percent of the high seas are currently protected.
Neil Agius is also working with NGO Wave of Change Malta to raise awareness about plastic waste and pollution at the local level – and encourage people to embrace change.
To an extent, the attempt, and the swimmer’s safety throughout, are weather dependent.
Though Agius and his team are hoping for the best, they cannot guarantee that conditions will be suitable next week.
Keep your fingers (and/or fins) crossed.
Good luck Neil!
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