Imagine standing at 8,848.86 metres above sea level, gazing out at a world that seems to stretch into infinity. This was the reality for Maltese mountaineer, Alex Borg, as he became the first Maltese national to reach the summit of Mount Everest on May 16, 2023. But let’s rewind. How did a man from the tiny Mediterranean island of Malta find himself on top of the world’s highest peak?

Alex Borg, a 42-year-old father of two from Msida, Malta, has always been an avid outdoorsman. His love for hiking and climbing led him to explore the rugged landscapes of his home island, from the Dingli Cliffs to the peaks of Dwejra. But Borg’s ambitions extended far beyond Malta’s shores. In 2018, he set his sights on the Seven Summits, the highest peaks on each of the seven continents.

“I’ve always been drawn to challenges,” Borg told Hot Malta in an exclusive interview. “The Seven Summits seemed like the ultimate test of my physical and mental limits.”

Borg’s journey to Everest was a decade in the making. He started with Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa, followed by Mount Kosciuszko in Australia, Mount Elbrus in Europe, and Aconcagua in South America. Then came Denali in North America and Mount Vinson in Antarctica. Each climb presented its own unique challenges, but none compared to the beast that was still to come.

“Everest is not just a mountain,” Borg said. “It’s a force of nature. It demands respect, and it gives nothing for free.”

Borg’s Everest expedition was a grueling 60-day affair. He and his team battled through the infamous Khumbu Icefall, climbed the treacherous Lhotse Face, and endured the punishing winds and thin air of the Death Zone. On May 16, after 10 hours of climbing, Borg finally stood on the summit of the world.

“I looked out at the horizon, and all I could see was a sea of clouds,” Borg recalled. “It was like standing on the edge of the universe. I thought of my family, my friends, everyone back home who had supported me. I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and accomplishment.”

Borg’s achievement is a testament to the power of human determination and the indomitable Maltese spirit. He is a beacon of inspiration for locals and visitors alike, proving that no challenge is too great for those who dare to dream big.

Now that Borg has conquered Everest, what’s next for this intrepid explorer? “I want to inspire more Maltese people to get outdoors and challenge themselves,” he said. “I’m also planning to write a book about my Seven Summits journey, to share my experiences and hopefully motivate others to follow their dreams.”

As for Borg’s family, they couldn’t be prouder. “We’re so grateful for all the support we’ve received from the Maltese public,” said Borg’s wife, Maria. “Alex’s achievement is a reflection of the strength and resilience of our community.”

If you’re inspired by Borg’s feat and want to start your own mountaineering journey, there’s no better place to start than right here in Malta. The Maltese Islands offer a wealth of hiking trails, from the gentle to the extreme. Here are a few suggestions:

• Dingli Cliffs: The highest point on the Maltese Islands, offering stunning views of the Mediterranean.
• Fungus Rock, Gozo: A challenging hike with rewarding views of the Azure Window (before it collapsed) and the surrounding coastline.
• Comino’s Santa Maria Caves: A scenic trail leading to a series of sea caves, perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day.

For more information on hiking in Malta, visit VisitMalta.com or join the Malta Hiking Group on Facebook.