Beppe Grillo and Janet Richard were named Athletes of the Year at a ceremony hosted by Athletics Malta, which also recognized the top-performing athletes across various age categories in track and field.
Grillo’s award came as no surprise, as 2024 has been a year full of achievements. He claimed several titles at home and delivered an exceptional performance internationally. At the Balkan Championships in Izmir, Turkey, Grillo broke a decade-old national 100m record with a remarkable time of 10.23 seconds, earning a bronze medal for Malta. He also competed at the Paris Olympics, where he ran his 100m heat in 10.69 seconds.
Janet Richard’s recognition solidifies her place in history as she won the title for the fifth time in her career. In another standout season, Richard represented Malta at the European Championships in Rome, completing the 800m in 2:04.34. She also added to her medal tally at the Athletics Championships of the Small States of Europe in Gibraltar, where she won silver in the 400m and helped the women’s relay team secure gold in the same event.
Other senior winners in their respective track and field categories included Claire Azzopardi and Omar El Aida Chaffey (Sprints), Rebecca Sare and Armani James (Jumps), Bradley Mifsud and Antonella Chouhal (Throws), Luke Micallef and Rosalie Cauchi (Hurdles/Steeplechase), Jared Micallef and Janet Richard (Middle Distance), and Jordan Gusman and Gina McNamara (Long Distance).
Antonella Chouhal and Charles Cilia were named Master Athletes of the Year. Chouhal’s highlight was a 46.05m hammer throw, while Cilia ran an impressive 5km road race in 16:17, a notable achievement for an athlete in the Over 55 category.
The association also honored winners in age categories ranging from Under 14 to Under 23.
