Mario Aquilina began sailing at a young age, helping his father Peter on their boat, the Miracle. He later started racing in Optimist boats after this class was introduced to Malta. In 1990, at the age of 15, Mario moved on to sailing Lasers, competing alongside older sailors, including his father.

That same year, he gained his first international experience by taking part in the World Youth Championships in Holland, where he received a prize for being the youngest competitor.

In 1992, Mario raced in two regattas in Sicily – the Griolo Vellico Marsala ’92 and the Regata di Sicilia ’92 – and achieved good results.

In 1993, Mario was part of the Malta Laser Team at the Games of the Small States of Europe. The team included Paul Debono, John Tabone, Alex Falzon, Peter Aquilina, and Henry Tabone. They raced against teams from Monaco and Cyprus. Mario placed fourth, while Henry Tabone and John Tabone won silver and bronze medals.

At the 1997 Games held in Iceland, Mario achieved his dream by winning a bronze medal. Later, in 2003, when Malta hosted the Games, he proudly won a gold medal.

Mario became Malta’s National Champion in 1998 and 1999. He was also named Helmsman of the Year for three years in a row – 1997, 1998, and 1999.

He represented Malta in the Olympic Games twice – in Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004).

In July 2020, Mario was elected Commodore of the Birżebbuġa Sailing Club.