Three Maltese athletes flew the flag at the World Weightlifting Championships in Førde, Norway, an important milestone on the road to Commonwealth Games qualification.
Roberta Tabone and Tenishia Thornton lined up in the 69 kg category. Tabone was first to take the platform and set a confident tone in the snatch with a perfect series at 84 kg, 86 kg and 88 kg. She followed with 109 kg in the clean and jerk and was narrowly denied at 112 kg. Her 197 kg total secured second place in her group and capped a composed all-around showing.
Thornton, returning from injury, opened her campaign with a first snatch attempt at 100 kg but was unable to complete the lift. Feeling pain, she withdrew as a precaution. The camp remains optimistic that she will be back to full strength for the European Junior Championships in three weeks.
Rylee Borg closed Malta’s programme with a solid performance. He cleared 117 kg and 120 kg in the snatch before a near miss at 123 kg. In the clean and jerk, he made 153 kg and 156 kg, with 160 kg just out of reach. His combined 276 kg placed him fifth in his group.
The Malta Weightlifting Federation acknowledged the support of the Maltese Olympic Committee and SportMalta, whose backing made the team’s participation possible.
