Dacia has signed six-time Bog Snorkelling champion and world record holder, Neil Rutter, as the sport’s first ever professional athlete.

Following his win at this year’s Bog Snorkelling World Championships, held in Llanwrtyd Wells, Bath-based schoolteacher Rutter, is officially signed by Dacia. He takes away funding and a first-of-its-kind professional contract, inducting him into the Dacia Adventure Community.

Neil, who is the world record holder, won again with an impressive time of 1:18:13, winning the competition for the sixth time.

Neil said: “As always, it’s an honour to participate in the Bog Snorkelling Championships! This year comes with even more cause for celebration than usual, as I announce my induction into the Dacia Adventure Community. Dacia’s reputation for adventure makes them the ideal brand for me, and for the sport. I’m proud to be the sport’s first professional athlete and I am looking forward to exploring more of the wonderful outdoors with Dacia and seeing what adventures we’ll achieve together.”

Luke Broad, Dacia Brand Director for the UK, added: “Adventure is in our DNA. We believe in embracing the raw, unfiltered joy of exploration and Neil embodies just that. His dedication to bog snorkelling, a sport that demands both physical endurance and a genuine love for the outdoors, makes him an ideal candidate for our Adventure Community. We’re incredibly excited to have Neil join us as the first professional in the sport, as he continues to push boundaries and inspire others to find their own everyday adventures.”