The Maltese Olympic Committee has announced the final two athletes who will be forming part of the Maltese contingent for the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad in Paris, scheduled from July 26th to August 11th.
Swimmer Sasha Gatt, will be competing in her second Games, having competed in Tokyo in 2021 where she was one of the youngest athletes to join the Maltese contingent. Following a consistent showing, in the 1500m, 400m and 800m freestyle events, recently she achieved two season bests in the 400m freestyle event at the French Elite Championships and also placed first with a seasonal best in the 800m freestyle event during the Mare Nostrum Swim Tour 2024 in Barcelona. Gatt will be competing in the 1500m freestyle event.
Joining Gatt at the Paris La Défense Arena will be Kyle Micallef, making his Olympic Games debut. Currently studying in the United States, Micallef set a national record in the 50m freestyle with a time of 22.80 at the European Aquatics Championships in Belgrade. Micallef will compete in the 50m freestyle event.
Gatt and Micallef will complete the team who will consist of shooter Gianluca Chetcuti, judoka Katryna Esposito and athlete Beppe Grillo.
Maltese Olympic Committee Director of Sport Charlene Attard highlighted that these athletes have shown consistent performances in their preparation for potential selection for the Paris Games and thus contributed towards their selection through the Universality Places programme, which is assigned by the Olympic Games Tripartite Commission.
Selection criteria included the athletes’ international competitive experience, technical level, and commitment to qualifying for the Olympic Games by participating in the relevant qualifying events.
