The Malta Weightlifting Association successfully organised the Malta Open Championship. A good number of athletes participated in this important yearly event.
The competition was opened by the cadets, who although still very young, showed perfect ability to perform technique. This category was won by the 7 year old Rylee Borg.
The second competition was for female athletes. The under 17 event was won by Sarah Grixti, lifting the total of 105kg, for 112 points. The seniors competition was won by Nathalie Borg, who showed magnificent technique and a promising future as one of the MWA pillars. She closed the competition with 149 points.
Male juniors and under 17 categories performed at a high level, with six national records being broken. Kieran Mifsud won this event, lifting a total of 235kg for 264 points. He was followed by Owen Bugeja with a total of 200kg and 237 points. The 3rd place was taken by Andy Grech, a promising athlete.
Owen Bugeja set two new National Records in the 94kg category with a 94 kg snatch, while Kieran Mifsud set four new records in the 94+ kg category with a 105kg snatch and a total of 235kg.
The men’s senior category was highlighted by very strong lifts, with many athletes setting personal bests. The overall winner was Rodmar Pulis, lifting a total of 227kg and scoring 288 points. He was followed by the 15 year old Kieran Mifsud. 3rd place went to Martin Pisani with a total of 236kg and 259 points, followed by Matthew Camilleri with a total of 199kg and 241 points.
At the closing ceremony, three young athletes, Kieran Mifsud, Owen Bugeja, and Sarah Grixti, were presented certificates for Young Talented Athletes. After the positive results they achieved in this competition, they will be representing Malta in the European Union Championships next month in Rome.