The Malta Weightlifting Association kicked off the year with an exciting opening competition, showcasing remarkable performances from both seasoned and emerging athletes.
In the women’s category, Tenishia Thornton delivered a standout performance, successfully lifting 87kg in the snatch and 109kg in the clean and jerk. Her efforts resulted in an impressive 12 national records in the 71kg category across the U20, U23, and senior sections. Kim Camilleri Lagana secured second place with a total of 243 points. Both athletes are currently preparing for the Youth and Junior World Championships in Peru.
The men’s competition was dominated by 18-year-old Rylee Borg, who secured first place with a 124kg snatch and a 155kg clean and jerk, accumulating 341 points. His performance also saw him break 12 national records in the 89kg category across the U20, U23, and senior divisions. Borg will also be competing in the Youth and Junior World Championships in Peru. Vlad Baldacchino claimed second place with a total of 339 points, successfully lifting 130kg in the snatch and 155kg in the clean and jerk.
A remarkable achievement also came from the cadet and youth division, where 15-year-old Nathan Mifsud amassed 300 points, lifting 85kg in the snatch and 106kg in the clean and jerk. His performance resulted in a staggering number of national records in the 61kg category, spanning the U15, U17, U20, and U23 divisions.
The event also saw the participation of several young athletes, who demonstrated excellent technique and continuous improvement in their performances.
During the competition, the team representing Malta in the upcoming European Small Nations Championship and Malta Open was selected. The event, set to take place from the 21st to the 23rd in the newly inaugurated Weightlifting Training and Competition Hall in Marsa. The Maltese team will include Tenishia Thornton, Kim Camilleri Lagana, Rylee Borg, and Vlad Baldacchino, Nathan Mifsud and Roberta Tabone.
This competition set a strong foundation for the year ahead, highlighting the progress and determination of Malta’s weightlifters as they prepare for international events.