In the quiet hours before dawn, while most of Malta still sleeps, John Camilleri is already clipping into his pedals. The 28-year-old biomedical engineer at Saint James Hospital has turned his morning rides into something far greater than routine. He is training to represent Malta at the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo.

Born deaf, John’s world changed dramatically at the age of three, when cochlear implant surgery opened new pathways to communication. That same determination to overcome barriers has propelled him to become one of Malta’s most promising cyclists, with three national podium finishes and growing international recognition to his name.

“Cycling became more than just exercise – it became my adventure,” John says, reflecting on a journey that began in 2017 with a simple mountain bike and a goal to lose weight. What started as a personal challenge quickly evolved into something much greater when he discovered his natural ability for competitive cycling.

The transformation has been remarkable. From a quest for fitness, John has developed into an athlete capable of competing on the international stage. His recent third-place finish in the team classification at the GSSE in Andorra, along with podium results in Sicily’s demanding terrain, showcase the calibre of athlete Malta will be sending to Tokyo.

“Consistency beats everything,” he says — a philosophy that has guided both his professional career and his athletic ambitions. It’s the same mindset that helped him complete a degree in mechanical engineering and continues to drive his pursuit of excellence ahead of the Deaflympics.

John’s story is proof that limitations need not define possibility — that with persistence, discipline, and the right support, extraordinary goals can be reached.

That support now comes from GasanMamo Insurance, which has recognised the significance of John’s journey. By backing athletes like him, the company is investing not only in sport but in inspiration — in the idea that dedication and resilience can transcend circumstance.

As John pedals towards Tokyo, he carries not only his own dreams but the pride of a nation.

This is the first in a series following John Camilleri’s journey to the 2025 Deaflympics in Tokyo, supported by GasanMamo Insurance.