At the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships being held in Delhi, India, athletes from 19 countries are competing among them from prominent nations such as Australia, Canada, England, and more. Kim Camilleri Lagana, representing Malta, who had an outstanding performance in the 45kg Category.
Kim Camilleri Lagana started, securing a Silver medal in the Youths category, followed by another Silver in the Juniors category. In the Seniors category, she earned a Bronze medal, solidifying her position as a formidable weightlifter in her division.
During the Snatch portion of the competition, Kim displayed exceptional technique and strength. She successfully lifted 54kg, 56kg, and 58kg weights, setting a strong foundation for her overall performance. However, an Indian athlete showcased her prowess by lifting 57kg and later attempting 60kg. Although she initially failed to lift 60kg, she ultimately succeeded on her final attempt.
Moving on to the Clean and Jerk segment, Kim once again demonstrated her skill and determination. She began with a successful lift of 69kg, while her Indian counterpart progressed to 70kg. Undeterred, Kim pushed herself further and managed to execute a flawless lift of 73kg, temporarily securing the lead in the competition. However, the Indian athlete matched her performance by also lifting 73kg. With a final push, Kim managed to lift 76kg, once again taking the lead. Yet, in a remarkable display of strength, the Indian athlete equaled Kim’s lift, ultimately securing first place with a total of 133kg. Kim secured a well-deserved second place for Malta with a total of 131kg, while Bangladesh claimed the third spot.
The overall competition saw India dominate once again, clinching first place in the Seniors category. Sri Lanka secured second place, while Malta’s weightlifters displayed exceptional prowess, securing the third position.
Kim Camilleri Lagana’s achievements at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships are all the more impressive considering they occurred just a week after her stellar performance at the European U-15 Championships. During that event, she earned three Bronze medals and set national records. Notably, at the Commonwealth Championships, Kim managed to break her own national records in the Snatch, Clean and Jerk, and Total categories.
Team Malta continued to shine at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships with another remarkable day of achievements. Tenishia Thornton, a rising star in the sport, showcased her exceptional talent by securing a gold medal in the Junior 59kg category and a silver medal in the Seniors category.
Despite a minor setback in her first attempt at 81kg snatch, Thornton displayed her resilience and determination. She successfully lifted 81kg on her second attempt and surpassed that with an impressive 82kg on her third attempt. In the Clean and Jerk discipline, she exhibited flawless technique, successfully lifting 99kg, 102kg, and a remarkable 104kg. This outstanding performance led her to a total weight of 186kg, cementing her position as a force to be reckoned with.
In the Junior category, Thornton showcased her superiority, outperforming her closest competitor from India by a staggering 19kg. Solomon Island secured the third position in this highly competitive division.
Moving on to the Seniors category, the competition intensified as 17 athletes from different countries battled it out for supremacy. Tenishia faced tough competition from countries such as England, Australia, Canada, and more. However, her exceptional skills and unwavering determination enabled her to clinch the silver medal for Malta. The host country, India, emerged victorious in the Seniors category with a total weight of 189kg, closely followed by Tenishia Thornton with 186kg, and South Africa securing the third position with 185kg.
This championship marked a significant milestone for Tenishia as it was her first major competition following a challenging period of balancing her MATSEC A-level examinations and her rigorous training routine. Her dedication and sacrifices paid off, as she received her examination results on the same day as the competition and achieved outstanding success in both areas.
Strong Finish for Malta Team at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Delhi, India
The Malta weightlifting team concluded their successful campaign at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Delhi, India on a high note. Rylee Borg, competing in the 81kg category, brought home two silver medals, showcasing impressive strength and determination.
Borg’s journey in the competition had a rocky start during the Snatch portion. However, he managed to lift 102kg and 104kg, displaying resilience and perseverance. Although he found himself in 5th place at this stage, Borg refused to back down.
In the Clean and Jerk segment, Borg showcased his true capabilities, going all out and successfully completing all three attempts at 130kg, 134kg, and 137kg. Notably, the last two attempts set new national records for Malta. With his exceptional performance, Borg managed to surpass his rivals and take the lead in the competition.
However, the Indian athlete demonstrated exceptional strength, ultimately securing the gold medal with a total of 280kg. Despite falling short of the top spot, Borg’s impressive performance allowed him to claim the silver medal for Malta with a total of 241kg. Australia secured the third position with a total of 240kg.
The Malta weightlifting team had an outstanding overall performance in the championships. In addition to Borg’s achievements, the team collectively won one gold, five silver, and one bronze medal, solidifying their status as one of the most successful teams in the competition.
While the team prepares to return home the following day, their journey does not end there. Later in the month, Rylee Borg and Kim Camilleri Lagana will participate in the EYOF in Maribor, Slovenia, while Tenishia Thornton will represent Malta in the European Juniors in Bucharest, Romania. These upcoming events offer further opportunities for the Maltese athletes to demonstrate their skills on an international stage.
The Malta weightlifting team’s accomplishments in the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships are a testament to their dedication and talent. They have made their nation proud and are set to continue their pursuit of excellence in future competitions.