Epileptic swimmer sets sights on London

A 19-year-old autistic and epileptic man has set his sights on the London Paralympics in 2012, a week after defying the odds by crossing the Malta-Gozo channel.

The Olympic flame of Beijing was only spent a week ago but Mr Spiteri is determined to swim in London under a new category currently being discussed.

On August 23, Justin Spiteri, along with 36 other well-trained swimmers, crossed the 5.5 km channel in what proved to be the most gruelling open sea swim for some time. The currents and swell resulted in a swim equivalent to around 8km.

This was Mr Spiteri's second attempt after last year's cancellation due to bad weather. Birkirkara St Joseph Swimming Club and the Razzett tal-Ħbiberija teamed up to create a successful event with a record number of participants; all of whom had to complete a series of shorter distances to qualify.

Mr Spiteri's swimming career started with the Special Olympic team where he won a number of medals. After being dropped he was warmly welcomed by the Birkirkara St Joseph team and swimming head coach Isabelle Zarb.

Throughout summer he trains hard, often six times a week, in the open sea and at the National Pool. In winter he trains at Razzett's heated pool and gym. Open sea swimming has become his passion and it has also helped him socialise with the group, but his epilepsy makes this a particularly courageous choice of sport.

Although always accompanied by a boat, and under medical supervision, a seizure in open sea swimming is a possibility that his trainers, event organisers and fellow swimmers take seriously, and keep a watchful eye out for. Mr Spiteri is fully aware of his condition and is determined to overcome the obstacles it creates.

Mr Spiteri's story is not all positive, however. After obtaining his O' Levels and taking a number of short courses, he is still unemployed, and has few friends. His autism is such that his speech is difficult to understand and this belies his inner intelligence and thinking skills.

As with many sufferers of autistic spectrum disorders, he has difficulty in communicating and occasionally loses concentration. His disability has not dampened his spirits, however. He is determined to swim longer and faster, and wants to be gainfully employed.

His mother admitted that he is hardly ever given a chance to prove himself and never gets past the first job interview. He had to leave his most recent employer because of lack of support and resources that are necessary to allow him to perform to the best of his ability.

When not training, Mr Spiteri researches his favourite subject (swimming) on the internet, attends MUSEUM, and is currently attending a course at the Institute of Tourism Studies.

The Razzett tal-Ħbiberija is a prime mover in integrated sports and sports for the disabled in Malta. The organisation aims to train and develop a number of athletes to take part in the London Olympics in 2012 and other competitions leading to the Paralympics.

Those interested in attending the Razzett's sports academy, or who would like to show solidarity towards Mr Spiteri, may e-mail nathanf@razzett.org. Those who would like to contribute to the Razzett's sports programme may SMS 5061 8080 to donate €4.66 and 5061 8926 for €6.99.