Malta’s two young participants at the Balkan Under 20 Indoor Athletics Championships did their country proud with a highly encouraging performance in the 800m race in Belgrade establishing new national records in the process.
Isaac Bonnici (Rush AC) clocked 1:56.89 in the two-lap sprint, establishing an Under 20 and Under 23 national record in the process, while Michael DeBattista (Pembroke Athleta) managed to also conclude his race below two minutes in 1:59.46, setting an Under 18 National record in the process. The two athletes completed the race in sixth and tenth place respectively, running against highly-quoted competitors primarily from the Balkan and Eastern European region.
The two athletes were accompanied by coach Rachid Chouhal.
Meanwhile, back in Marsa, Athletics Malta this weekend held its second pre-season meeting of the season, with some notable performances. Nicolai Bonello got off to this pole vault season to an impressive start adding 11cm to his national record through three consecutive
record jumps, finally settling to 4.61m.
Youngster Mireya Bugeja set a new Under 18 best in the 600m, with the Żurrieq Wolves athlete registering a time of 1:38.26 on route to winning her respective race. Another highly encouraging result was reached by Lyon Falzon with the Pembroke athlete equalling the Under 18 record with a 7.26s time.
