Nick Mercieca has become the first athlete to represent Malta in Para Powerlifting at an international competition, marking a historic milestone for Maltese sport.
At just 18 years of age, Mercieca competed in the men’s up to 59kg weight category at the World Para Powerlifting World Cup in Tbilisi, Georgia, on 10 May. The event was the opening fixture of the 2025–2028 competition cycle, a crucial period in which athletes begin their journey to qualify for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.
Mercieca, one of the youngest competitors in his category, successfully lifted 90kg, 95kg, and then 100kg in his third and final attempt. His performance earned him second place for best individual lift and first place for total lift in the ‘Next Generation’ category, which features athletes aged between 18 and 20.
The Tbilisi event brought together more than 130 athletes from 24 countries, all competing in the bench press discipline across a range of weight classes. It also marked the first time in history that Malta was represented in Para Powerlifting at this level, an important step forward for the development of para-sports on the island.
Mercieca was born with spina bifida, a condition affecting his back and both legs. Despite his physical challenges, he has spent the past decade actively involved in sport. He has already represented Malta internationally in disciplines such as karate and indoor rowing, earning a black belt in the wheelchair category of karate and setting world records in adaptive rowing. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Health at MCAST.
Mercieca was accompanied in Georgia by powerlifting coach Matteo Aquilina and Dr Julian Bajada, Secretary General of the Malta Paralympic Committee. Dr Bajada hailed the occasion as the start of an exciting journey:
“Nick’s journey in Para Powerlifting has officially begun, and we are excited for the road ahead. Despite his young age, Nick has already shown a deep understanding of the dedication and sacrifice required to succeed. We are now building a team around him to support his long-term goals, and we hope his story will inspire others to find courage and push their limits.”
Mercieca is now preparing for his next major target, the Para Powerlifting Junior World Championships, scheduled to take place in Cairo, Egypt, this coming October.
His trailblazing debut in Tbilisi signals the dawn of a new era for Malta in international para-sports, offering hope, motivation, and visibility to aspiring athletes across the country.
