Name: DAVID MICALLEF

Triathlon background

I did some ironmen and some indivitual sports: grand fondo cycling, oceonman, climbing, trail runs, marathon des sables...

How old are you?

51

What do you think will be the toughest moment during the event?

I am expecting from 3rd to 7th hour of the swim to be hardest. But I know that in these types of challanges , anything can happen at any time.

Favourite discipline (run, cycle, swim) and why?

Running, especially trail running, is my favourite discipline because it gives me a sense of freedom. There is something special about being out in nature, moving at your own pace, and exploring new paths.

Lately, I've also been enjoying the solitude of swimming, especially when the sea is calm. It's one of the few times when everything becomes quiet, and I can simply focus on the rhythm of the water.

Why do you push yourself to this level?

Because I want to discover my true limits and see how far determination, discipline, and perseverance can take me.

What made you want to take on Arch2Arc?

While trying to find a way to cross the channel with a wetsuit, I came across A2A. There was no turning back.

Favourite post-training meal

Pasta and ice cream

How can people follow or support your journey?

Not a media person to be honest. But there might be some updates on facebook.

Least favourite discipline?

For a long time, swimming was my least favourite discipline. However, I discovered new ways to enjoy it. Swimming with different training partners helped, as did exploring different locations and swimming at different times of the day.

Looking back, teaching myself to enjoy swimming has been one of my biggest achievements.

And then theres the gym...I hate gyms.

What does finishing Arch2Arc mean to you personally?

I know that completing an A2A challenge is considered the pinnacle of achievement for many triathlon athletes. It represents far more than just a race; it is the ultimate test of endurance, resilience, determination, and mental strength. The journey demands countless hours of training, commitment, and the ability to push through physical and psychological barriers that most people will never experience.

I trained 2 years for this challange and I cannot imagine the relieve of " now I can go on with my life"

Hidden talent outside of sport

Restoration of antiques

What do you do for work?

Catering

What does a typical training week look like?

Running, especially trail running, is my favourite discipline because it gives me a sense of freedom. There is something special about being out in nature, moving at your own pace, and exploring new paths.

Lately, I've also been enjoying the solitude of swimming, especially when the sea is calm. It's one of the few times when everything becomes quiet, and I can simply focus on the rhythm of the water.

Nationality / where you’re based

Maltese

One word your friends would use to describe you

Persistant. Not because I’m fast but because I always give my very best to reach the target

Who or what inspires you?

To be honest, I am not usually inspired by elite athletes or famous champions. They often feel too far away from my reality and my level. Instead, I am inspired by ordinary athletes who balance training with work, family, and everyday responsibilities, yet still manage to achieve great results. Seeing someone with a busy lifestyle perform well reminds me that extraordinary things are possible for ordinary people.

What keeps you going when things get really tough?

Over the last two years, I've had many ups and downs. Sometimes, I simply focused on putting one foot in front of the other. Other times, I imagined reaching the finish line. But I always reminded myself of one thing: when things get tough, keep moving forward—even if you have to crawl.

How are you preparing differently for this compared to other races?

This time , training was more focused on swimming. How to swim for a long time with efficiency.

Any unusual or extreme training methods?

Mentally:

I always tell people that before they claim to be mentally strong, they should answer one simple question: if you're working on your laptop and a fly lands on your hand, can you keep working without getting distracted or annoyed? Can you stay focused on your thoughts and ignore the fly?

You have to win the battle with a fly before you start talking about extreme mental training. Personally, I'm still battling the fly :)

Physically:

I tend to train the hard way. I ride a heavy, poorly maintained bike instead of chasing perfect equipment. I swim alone before sunrise and run in the midday heat of Malta when conditions are at their toughest.

Have you ever wanted to quit during training? What got you through it?

Yes, many times. Whenever I felt like quitting, I reminded myself of a simple rule: when motivation fades away, discipline will lead the way. I repeted this to myself a thousand times