Local long-distance swimmer Neil Agius has just added another award to his ever-growing list!
The athlete-activist placed second in the World Open Water Swimming Association’s International Man Of The Year award.
Neil was nominated for this award after swimming from Linosa, Sicily to Gozo in a bid to raise awareness for the Wave of Change campaign.
Even though Neil has made it very clear that awards aren't the reason he does these swims, it's great to see such an inspiration to many getting the international recognition he deserves.
Neil shared the good news on his Facebook page. "The results are in from World Open Water Swimming Association and really happy with 2nd place. Well done Paul, for winning the award. Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to vote for me," he wrote.
"I guess I'll have to plan something bigger and crazier next year," he continued.
It wasn’t long before the post’s comments section was flooded with messages of congratulations. Amongst them was Paul Georgescu’s, - the winner of the Man of the Year award.
"Thank you Neil Agius. You are an inspiration for me. For sure will meet when I visit Malta again," Paul wrote.
The World Open Water Swimming Association (WOWSA) is an international association dedicated to the promotion and recognition of open water swimming events. The 'Man of the Year Award' considers athletes who have conquered impressive athletic feats in the open water.
Neil broke the world record for the Longest Unassisted Ocean Swim last June. He swam from Linosa, Sicily, to Malta in 52 hours.
Aside from dominating the Mediterranean during his swims, Neil is quite the hero when he's on dry land too...
The swimmer is an ocean pollution advocate and co-founder of the 'Wave of Change' campaign, which aims to raise awareness about ocean pollution and works to keep our seas clean.
What a great achievement!