Malta’s debut at the 20th edition of the Games of the Small States of Europe could not have begun in better fashion, as Jessica Vella stunned spectators at the Lauesport San Julià Pavilion by claiming gold in the Karate Kata discipline.
In what was a tightly contested final, Vella edged past Montenegro’s Mila Mrakovic, with the judges awarding the Maltese athlete a narrow 39.1 to 37.8 victory. This marks Malta’s first medal at the 2025 Games in Andorra, secured less than 24 hours after the opening ceremony.
Karate is featuring in the Games for the first time, making Vella’s triumph not only historic for Malta, but for the competition itself.
The young Maltese athlete reached the final after overcoming Aileen Sprenger of Liechtenstein and Monaco’s Cécile Orrigo in the preliminary rounds. She then produced a composed semi-final performance to defeat local favourite Maria Ubiergo, scoring 38.4 to 36.8.
Vella is the daughter of renowned Maltese sensei Michelle Vella and her success adds a significant milestone to her family’s martial arts legacy.
