Malta’s young weightlifters delivered a stellar performance at the Soroksár Cup in Budapest, a prestigious international event that welcomed athletes from over 16 countries. The Maltese contingent stood out with multiple podium finishes, including two overall Youth titles, signalling a bright future for the sport on the island.
The standout names of the weekend were Nathan Mifsud and Aaliyah Gatt, who both claimed gold medals in their respective weight categories. Their exceptional lifts earned them the prestigious titles of Best Youth Lifters, with Nathan scoring 280 points and Aaliyah following closely with 203 points. These results not only earned individual glory but also meant that Malta took home both Youth Overall Titles—a historic achievement for the national team.
There were other notable performances throughout the competition. Kaya Curmi Inguanez won gold in the Junior 55kg category, impressively scoring 197 points, further strengthening Malta’s dominance in the women’s events. Meanwhile, Gabriele Frendo, only 12 years old, displayed tremendous potential by earning silver in the Youth U-15 61kg category with 191 points.
The Maltese boys continued to shine in the U-15 category, with Nathan Balzan claiming bronze in the 49kg class with a total of 178 points. Another promising young lifter, Mattias Mifsud, also just 12 years old, finished in fourth place in the 45kg category, scoring a strong 174 points.
These remarkable results highlight the continued rise of Maltese weightlifting on the international stage, driven by talent, dedication, and the support structure around them. The athletes’ participation and success were made possible thanks to the invaluable backing of SportMalta and the Maltese Olympic Committee, who continue to invest in Malta’s sporting future.
With such promising performances at such a young age, Malta’s weightlifting scene looks set to grow stronger, with a new generation ready to carry the flag at international competitions.
