Breaking Records And Beyond

Following a cancelled swim from Tunisia to Sicily, Neil took on a longer Sicily to Malta swim, specifically from the island of Linosa in 2021.

The absolute legend blazed through the route, completing a whopping 125 kilometres in just 50 hours, crowning him as world-record breaker for the Longest Ocean Swim, beating the previous 124 kilometre record held by British athlete Chloe McCardel.

Awards And Nominations

The inspiration he sparked and initiatives he took caught the attention of people locally and internationally.

In 2020, Queen Elizabeth II commended Agius with a Point of Light Award, for his environmentally positive campaigns and aquatic feats. The Points of Light is a program that recognises individuals for their inspiration and dedication within the Commonwealth.

His awards didn’t end there, as in 2022 he was short listed by the World Open Water Swimming Association for the 2021 Man of The Year Award. However, he came in second-place to international endurance swimmer Paul Georgescu.

Overcoming Hardships

Despite the massive success, it’s important to remember that such feats do not always come without challenges. In 2023, Agius was set to break his previous record with a daring 160-kilometre swim from Mallorca to Ibiza.

However, at about 46 kilometres into the trek at 3am, Neil reported that he had gotten caught in a swarm of jellyfish. Despite the initial injuries he sustained, he insisted on pushing forward, however, the pain was to much to bare and he had to abandon the plan.

Disappointment radiated from Neil and his team, with 10 months of training seemingly going to waste with the premature conclusion of the feat.

The Legacy

Following the let-down in Ibiza, him and his team soon planned his next big thing, his magnum opus, Neil would be bringing the 160km challenge home.

And just like that, with a body lathered in sunblock, goggles and cap fastened and a heart-warming kiss good luck from Lara, Neil set off on a three-day expedition around the Maltese islands on the 21st September 2024.

Neil cemented his name in the book of Maltese legends by completing a full revolution around the Maltese islands and then some! A jaw dropping 142.3 kilometres well beyond his previous personal record, Neil landed in Għar Lapsi to a marvellous welcome by supporters from around the nation.

Honourable Mentions From The Life Of Neil

1. Before his second Sicily to Malta swim, in a memorable and wholesome showcase of love, he was proposed to by his fiancée Lara Vella.

2. Shortly before his Ibiza swim, while on a holiday/training session in Zanzibar, he unexpectedly swam with a pod of dolphins. And, after having to reluctantly cancel his Ibiza swim, in an “every cloud has a silver lining” kind of way, him and his team were escorted by another dolphin to the harbour.

3.  Neil generously gifted the late local hero Jake Vella a plush toy he got from the 2004 Olympics. The plush was given to the teen along with a diary, given with the intention of having it signed by hosptial staff alongside other goodies. The swimmer made sure to give the teen a pep talk and commend him for his bravery.

4.  Neil is the founder of the Wave of Change, an eco-positive organisation aimed at hosting campaigns for environmental wellness. The NGO have collaborated with multiple environmental ambassadors and individuals around the nation to band together and protect our land and seas.

So, there you have it. A condensed version of just a few of this man’s achievements throughout his life.

Congratulations to Neil and his team on their recent accomplishments and good luck for whatever insane feats they plan in the future!