Maltese gymnastics celebrated a groundbreaking achievement as Sophie St John clinched a historic bronze medal at the ISF Gymnasiade Under-18 Games in Bahrain—the first-ever medal for Team Malta in this prestigious competition since the Malta Schools Sports Federation (MSSF) began competing in 2006.
Sophie’s outstanding journey didn’t end with the bronze. Competing in the Floor Final, she delivered a strong performance to finish in 5th place, showcasing her skill and resilience on the international stage. Her achievements mark a pivotal moment for Maltese gymnastics, inspiring young athletes back home.
On Day 1, Sophie and her fellow junior gymnast, Lyana Curmi Inguanez from GymStars Gymnastics Club, proudly represented Malta under the expert guidance of Coach Nataliya Berehova. Sophie’s consistency saw her place 14th overall, earning a remarkable 46.599 in total. She qualified as second on Beam with a score of 12.933 and sixth on Floor with 12.400, securing a well-deserved spot in the apparatus finals.
Meanwhile, Lyana also impressed, finishing 30th out of 44 talented gymnasts worldwide. Her dedication and determination made her another inspiring figure for Maltese sport.
A heartfelt thanks goes to Coach Nataliya Berehova for her invaluable mentorship, which has been instrumental in leading these young gymnasts to such impressive success. Both athletes have set a new standard for Malta, making the nation immensely proud and igniting hopes for the future of Maltese gymnastics on the international stage.
