Never-say-never athlete has another go at world record
Nicky Farrugia to attempt 'the most gruelling of endurance events'
Nicky Farrugia
Giving up does not form part of athlete Nicky Farrugia's vocabulary and on Wednesday he will again attempt to break the Enduroman Arch to Arc world record.
Mr Farrugia, 49, had to give up his first attempt last June when his bicycle broke down. Only the day before, he had to be plucked out of the English Channel after he started suffering symptoms of hypothermia.
"It was just one bit of bad luck after the other... It's sad to think that I know I could have made it and had to quit because of the bicycle... But my motto is never give up," he had said.
And, sure enough, despite his age, Mr Farrugia will attempt the challenge again. The feat involves a 140-kilometre run from London's Marble Arch to Dover, a swim across the English Channel to Calais and a bicycle ride to Paris' Arc De Triomphe in what is hailed as the most gruelling of endurance events.
Should he succeed, Mr Farrugia would break Eddie Ette's world record, provided he makes it in under 81 hours and five minutes, which is the time Mr Ette took.
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claire farrugia
Sep 8th 2009, 07:49
Good luck!!!! I am sure you will manage this time. You are an example to all Maltese athletes. I remember you swimming at the University Sports Complex, it was always motivating seeing someone who is not so young but still so fit, it encouraged me too that sports is something for all ages....and it keeps you young. Since I realized that I never stopped exercising....
Oswald Spiteri
Sep 7th 2009, 23:32
GOOD LUCK NICKY. Wishing the very best in this Enduro challenge. Lots of people will be following the progress. As triathlete Fabio Spiteri says, pain is temporary, but 'glory' is forever, so go for it. If your 'sense of perseverance' prevailed with many other local sports men and sports women, we would do a lot better in many other sporting events.
L Bonnici
Sep 7th 2009, 12:25
"And, sure enough, despite his age, Mr Farrugia will attempt the challenge again." Despite his age?! Nicky is just 49 years young + endurance events such as this one are better if they're done by experienced athletes like Nicky!
I'm sure Nicky will do well this time. He's always been an inspiration to young athletes like myself and others. I just hope everything goes as planned and they don't face new unforeseen glitches... good luck Nicky. We will all be waiting anxiously for you to finish off this challenge.
Alfred Grima
Sep 7th 2009, 11:30
My friend, I always admire your professional way of doing things. I am 100% sure that this time your targets will be reached.
On behalf of my family, I wish you the best of luck.
Alfred Grima
Kirill Micallef Stafrace
Sep 7th 2009, 09:32
best of luck nicky. you led the way for endurance challenges. now we have the kilimanjaro challenge, lifecycle, challenge 8000, ability challenge and many many more. I for one was inspired by your feats, as I am sure numerous others were and will be in the future