A team of young athletes from the Malta Weightlifting Association recently showcased their extraordinary talent and determination at the prestigious Challenge 210 Cup in Tramelan, Switzerland. Demonstrating exceptional strength and resilience, Team Malta made a powerful entrance on Day 1, securing an impressive trio of individual medals that set the tone for the entire event.
The competition’s pinnacle moment came in the U-17 Female category, where Kaya Curmi Inguanez and Aaliyah Gatt seized gold and silver medals, respectively, making a statement on the international stage. Kaya dominated with a commanding series of lifts, opening with 58kg and 60kg in the Snatch, followed by three flawless Clean & Jerk attempts, capping her day at 75kg. This outstanding performance not only crowned her the top athlete among 17 contenders but also earned her an award as the best female lifter in the U-20 category, a remarkable feat that placed her far ahead of her peers. Gatt, who delivered an equally thrilling performance, successfully completed a 63kg Snatch and an 84kg Clean & Jerk. In a tight contest for silver, Gatt’s final lift, which was a 3kg personal best, secured her second place by a razor-thin margin of just one point, edging out her French rival.
Further amplifying the success, the Maltese female team, composed of Kaya, Aaliyah, and Shayelle Azzopardi, claimed first place in the female team event, underscoring their collective strength and poise.
For Shayelle Azzopardi, this was a memorable international debut, where she impressed with a solid 60kg Snatch and a 66kg Clean & Jerk, proving she’s a promising talent to watch in future competitions.
The Maltese team’s victories extended to the Male U-13 category, with young lifter Gabriele Frendo capturing the bronze medal after a flawless series of six successful lifts. At just twelve years old, Gabriele’s technical precision shone through, lifting 48kg in the Snatch and 58kg in the Clean & Jerk. His teammate, Mattias Mifsud, also delivered a commendable performance, narrowly missing the podium by just two points. With a 28kg Snatch and a 39kg Clean & Jerk at a body weight of only 35kg, Mattias demonstrated skill and potential that promise great things for Malta’s weightlifting future. Together, the duo from the National Sport School earned Malta the top position in the U-13 Boys Team Competition.
Nathan Balzan, another young talent, also made his international debut, displaying determination and focus as he completed a 38kg Snatch and a 48kg Clean & Jerk, gaining invaluable experience at this prestigious event.
The Malta Weightlifting Association’s participation in the Challenge 210 Cup was made possible by the steadfast support of Sport Malta and the Maltese Olympic Committee, whose commitment to nurturing young athletes has enabled these rising stars to shine on the international stage.
