Malta’s Alex Borg Conquers Everest
Malta’s Mountain Conqueror: Meet the Man Who Touched the Sky
Imagine standing at the highest point on Earth, gazing down at the world below. For Maltese mountaineer, Alex Borg, this was not a dream, but a reality. On May 23, 2022, Alex became the first Maltese national to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the roof of the world.
From the Mediterranean to the Himalayas
Alex’s journey began not in the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, but in the sunny streets of Malta. A seasoned climber, Alex has scaled some of the island’s most challenging routes, including the iconic ‘Climb with Wings’ in Dingli. But it was his 2019 ascent of Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Americas, that sparked the idea to tackle Everest.
“After Aconcagua, I thought, why not give Everest a go?” Alex recalls, sipping coffee at his favorite haunt, Caffe Cordina in Valletta. “It’s the ultimate challenge, the highest point on Earth. How could I not try?”
Training in the Shadows of the Mediterranean
Preparing for Everest in Malta presented its own challenges. With no glaciers or 8,000-meter peaks on the island, Alex had to adapt. He trained on the highest point in Malta, Dingli Cliffs, and even used the island’s heat to his advantage, building endurance in the summer sun.
“I’d run up and down the steps at the Three Cities, carry heavy bags around Valletta, anything to build strength and stamina,” Alex explains. “And I spent hours in the gym, of course. I was like a madman, people must have thought I was training for a marathon, not Everest!”
Reaching for the Stars
After months of training, Alex set off for Nepal. The climb was tough, with harsh conditions and dangerous terrain. But Alex persevered, summiting at 8:30 AM on May 23, after a grueling 12-hour final push.
“Standing on top of the world, it’s indescribable,” Alex says, his eyes gleaming with the memory. “The view, the achievement, the relief… it’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”
Back Home in Malta
Now back in Malta, Alex is already planning his next adventure. But for now, he’s enjoying the recognition, from being featured on local news to being greeted like a hero in his neighborhood, Birkirkara.
“It’s amazing to see how much support there is here,” Alex says. “Malta might be small, but our hearts are big. And that’s what makes this achievement so special.”
Alex’s feat is a testament to Maltese grit and determination. It shows that no matter where you’re from, with hard work and dedication, you can reach the highest heights.
