The final couple of dozen kilometres of an epic swim that has taken three consecutive days of no sleep and no rest lie ahead of Neil Agius, but with strong winds, rain and big waves returning to the islands, what does this mean for the former Olympian who’s about to break his own world record?

Conditions over the south of Malta, where Neil is currently swimming just off the coast of Marsaskala, are not great. Rain has hit numerous localities around the southern coast, and with over 120 kilometres behind him, Neil is definitely tired. He also has some 15 knots of wind facing him, bringing on big waves with every stroke he makes. However, hope is literally around the corner.

The moment Neil manages to go around the southeastern tip of Malta, clearing places such as St Thomas Bay and Birżebbuġa, all of the above conditions will actually work in his favour, with the southeasterly winds pushing him on to his destination. Every single force of nature that is currently making life harder for him is about to symbolically switch and help him instead.

As it stands, Neil has all but broken his previous record of 125.71 kilometres, but that’s not his target. His target is just under 160 kilometres, a feat he’s expected to accomplish later today on the northwestern coast.

Considering the way the weather conditions keep changing, no one really knows at what time that will be, but if there’s anything we can truly know, it’s that Neil is an unstoppable beast who, on an hourly basis, is defying everything we thought we knew about human nature and limitations.

Comment “Go The Distance” to show Neil your support and share this post to raise awareness on his final kilometres!