Sammut's article featured in influential swim magazine

Mark Sammut, the IASIS swimmer who also forms part of the national squad, is not only talented in his sport, but also determined to make more headway in the pool and add to his numerous age group and national records.

He is also keen on encouraging other swimmers to take sports seriously, no matter what, as his article in the influential and highly educational 'Swimming Times' March 2009 issue, published by the Amateur Swimming Association (England) and the Institute of Swimming, testifies.

The 15-year-old Maltese swimmer writes that although he is fully immersed in his studies in view of his GCE exams in May, nothing will deter him from keeping up with his training routine so that he could take part in local and international competitions.

He says that as a member of the Maltese national swimming team he has to attend two training sessions a day, one at 6 a.m. and another at 4 p.m., something that takes a lot of time from his studies.

"I have to stay up till 11 p.m. to finish off my homework and extra studies and thus have no free time to go out with my friends during the weekend."

But when he is swimming, Sammut says he "feels alive and enjoys it". He emphasises that he is part of a team whose members support "each other through thick and thin".

Through the constant support of his parents who drive him from home to the pool, to school and back he is able to maintain this everyday chores.

"When during a meet I manage to break an age group record or receive a medal and hold the Maltese flag tightly in my hand I forget that I had been waking up early, sleeping late, studying and not going out."

The bottom line for this lad is that all sacrifices are worth making and give him satisfaction.

"If you have a dream, make it happen. It is only you who can, and no one else. So don't give up on swimming."

Indeed words of encouragement from Sammut splashed across many countries through his contribution in 'Swimming Times' under the very apt headlines 'Swimmers Aren't Quitters.'