Graham Pellegrini continued on his fine form this weekend recording a national record in the 400m while representing Malta at the Balkan Indoor Athletics Championships at the Atakoy Arena in Istanbul. Completing the one-lap sprint in a superb 47.55, 19-year-old Pellegrini edged out athletes from strong nations in the world of athletics, including
Bulgaria, Ukraine and Moldova.
Back in Malta, Athletics Malta hosted its third and final Pre-Season Meeting in Marsa, and despite the windy conditions, athletes did not disappoint as they sought a final tonic before next weekend’s Winter Championships, one of the highlights of the local athletics calendar.
On track, Isaac Bonnici, fresh from his record performance in Belgrade a week earlier, did not disappoint with the Rush AC athlete winning the 600m race in 1:21.05, breaking the senior national record held by Christian Luke Chetcuti (1:21.80). Given that Bonnici achieved
this accomplishment at 17 years of age, this record also chalks off the previous Under 23 and Under 20’s entry in the record books.
In the field, Nicolai Bonello tops the charts again with yet another national record, with the La Salle athlete improving his pole vault standard first to 4.62m and then to 4.65m, testament to the young athlete’s formidable progression.
Among the throwers, Bianca Shoemake confirmed her progress in the hammer, with a stunning 56.37m through which the Rush AC athlete established an Under 18 record while also grasping herself a post in the Under 18 European Championships as well as in the Balkan Championships for the same category.
