Record-Breaking Performances Shine at Malta Weightlifting National Championships
The Malta Weightlifting Association hosted its highly anticipated National Championships on Sunday, delivering an exhilarating day packed with personal triumphs, record-breaking performances, and inspiring displays of athleticism. The event drew a robust lineup of young and seasoned competitors across multiple age groups, from the U-10s to Senior categories, underscoring the sport’s rapid growth in Malta.
The championship kicked off with the cadet divisions, where budding talent took center stage. Mia Sant, an NSS student, emerged victorious in the U-10 category, lifting a total of 49kg. In the U-12 category, Lucia Mifsud clinched first place with a commendable 50kg total.
In the boys’ division, Samir Geriwa dominated the U-10 category with a 62kg total. Meanwhile, Gabriele Frendo, also an NSS athlete, set the stage alight in the U-12 division with record-breaking lifts of 52kg in the Snatch and 60kg in the Clean & Jerk, solidifying his rising star status.
The day’s momentum continued with spectacular performances in the Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, where competitors showcased exceptional skill and determination.
In the Male Youth U-15 division, Nathan Mifsud stunned audiences by setting new national records in the 55kg weight class, achieving an 80kg Snatch and a 100kg Clean & Jerk.
The female youth categories saw fierce competition, with Kim Camilleri Lagana and Aaliyah Gatt leading the charge. Camilleri Lagana swept the board in the 55kg class, lifting 66kg in the Snatch and 90kg in the Clean & Jerk, claiming victories in the Youth U-17, Junior U-20, and Senior divisions. Kaya Curmi Inguanez, lifting 61kg in the Snatch and 77kg in the Clean & Jerk to secure second place. In the 64kg category, Aaliyah Gatt delivered a stellar performance with 66kg in the Snatch and 87kg in the Clean & Jerk, earning top honors in the Youth, Junior, and Senior divisions.
The spotlight intensified during the Junior U-20 and Senior competitions. Tenishia Thornton w in the 71kg Junior and Senior categories, achieving a remarkable total of 173kg while breaking several national records. With the World Championships in Bahrain just two weeks away, Thornton will be joined by Kim Camilleri Lagana and Rylee Borg, forming a formidable Maltese contingent.
On the men’s side, Rylee Borg delivered a standout performance, capturing the Junior and Senior titles in the 89kg category. Borg shattered records with a 121kg Snatch and a 146kg Clean & Jerk, amassing a total of 267kg. Anton Micallef secured second place with a commendable 252kg total.
Other notable victories included Shaun Ciantar, who lifted a 252kg total to claim the Senior 102kg crown, and Luke Treeby Ward, who won the Junior 96kg category with a 225kg total.
The National Championships were not just a competition but a celebration of Malta’s growing weightlifting community. With performances like these, Maltese weightlifters are undoubtedly poised to make their mark on the international stage.