Maltese endurance swimmer Neil Agius has been nominated for two prestigious World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) Awards—Man of the Year and Performance of the Year. These nominations place him among the world’s top open-water swimmers and recognise his remarkable achievements in the sport.
The nominations highlight Agius’ world-record swim on 23 September 2024, where he swam 142.3 km around the Maltese Islands of Malta and Gozo, in 60 hours, 35 minutes, and 4 seconds. This incredible feat set a new record for the longest unassisted, current-neutral ocean swim and has earned him a place among the sport’s best.
A Global honour
Being nominated in two of WOWSA’s most prestigious categories reflects Agius’ significant impact on open-water swimming:
- Man of the Year: Recognising individuals who inspire and lead their communities while achieving extraordinary feats in the sport.
- Performance of the Year: Celebrating swims that push the limits of endurance and become defining moments in open-water swimming.
With past winners including Andy Donaldson (Scotland), who set a record for the Oceans Seven challenge, this nomination secures Neil’s place among the sport’s legends.
An incredible achievement
Agius’ record-breaking swim was not only a physical challenge but also a test of mental strength, resilience, and determination. This remarkable feat has captivated the global swimming community and shown just what the human body and mind are capable of.
A moment of pride for Malta
This nomination is a proud moment for Malta, as Agius has brought international attention to the country, demonstrating Malta’s strong connection to the ocean and its ability to produce world-class athletes.
Support Neil Agius – Your Vote Matters!
The WOWSA Awards are decided by public vote, and support from the global community is vital to help Neil secure this prestigious recognition.
How to Vote:
- Click here: https://www.openwaterswimming.com/wowsa-awards-2024-public-vote/
- Scroll to the bottom of the page
- Fill out the voting form
Voting is open until 6 February 2025, and every vote brings Neil closer to cementing his place in the sport.
A Legacy in the making
Winning a WOWSA Award is often a step towards being inducted into the International Marathon Swimming Hall of Fame (IMSHOF), one of the highest honours in endurance swimming. With this nomination, Neil Agius is on his way to leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Join the Movement – Celebrate Human Endurance
Neil Agius’ journey is far from over. His nomination represents more than just a record-breaking swim—it symbolises perseverance, mental strength, and the pursuit of the impossible.
