Neil Agius plans 100 mile swim in record attempt

Neil Agius, ultra-endurance athlete and world record holder, officially announced the 100 Mile Swim on Friday, a world-first record attempt in the longest nonstop, unassisted, current neutral, open water sea swim ever undertaken.

The launch took place on Friday, April 28, at noon at the Palma International Boat Show and Superyacht Village, where Agius shared his vision for the challenge and his reasons for undertaking it.

The 100 Mile Swim will see Agius attempt to swim from Mallorca around the west coast of Ibiza, touching land on the eastern coast of Ibiza, thus covering approximately 160km in open water. The swim will test Agius’s endurance, strength and mental resilience.

A former Olympian and current world record holder in another category of swim, Agius is no stranger to pushing his limits.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Agius said that : “The 100 Mile Swim is not just about setting a world record. More importantly, it is about highlighting the problem of pollution and pollutants in the seas and oceans.”

The 100 Mile Swim will take place in the summer of 2023, during a brief weather window that begins at the end of June. Agius has been training intensively for months in order to prepare for the challenge.

He is supported by a team of around 25 volunteers and professionals, which is made up of medics, swim observers, navigators, skippers and crew, motivators, media and a nutritionist, who will ensure that he remains safe and healthy throughout the swim.

The swim will also raise awareness for ocean conservation and the urgent need to conserve the precious marine ecosystem, which are causes very close to Neil’s heart.

The launch of the 100 Mile Swim is set to be a historic moment for endurance swimming and a significant milestone for Agius personally.

Posting on Facebook, Agius said that : “This endeavour is a true test of resilience against severe sleep deprivation. I believe I can do it. I have a great team behind me and some amazing sponsors who believe in me and the cause. I will give it my all, and hope to share the journey with all of you along the way.”

The 100 Mile swim is supported by the Mallorca Preservation Foundation, as well as Neil’s own NGO, Wave of Change Malta, Ocibar Marinas and the Palma International Boat Show, as well as being sponsored by Atlas Insurance and Visit Malta.