Malta Weightlifting launched its 2026 season in style this past weekend, hosting its first competition of the year at the National Weightlifting Centre within the Marsa Sports Complex. A strong turnout of athletes across all age categories delivered impressive performances and a series of outstanding results.
The standout performer of the day was 16-year-old Nathan Mifsud in the 65kg category. Mifsud delivered a flawless six-out-of-six performance, lifting 101kg in the snatch and 120kg in the clean and jerk. His combined total earned him 330 points and saw him break every national record from youth through to senior level , a remarkable achievement for such a young athlete.
At elite level, several lifters also posted encouraging results. Tenishia Thornton marked a strong return to competition following her injury at last year’s Mediterranean Cup. She produced a perfect six-from-six series, finishing with a total of 196kg to top the women’s category with 247 points. Kim Camilleri Lagana followed with a solid 163kg total, scoring 235 points.
Rylee Borg and Aaliyah Gatt, both on the comeback trail from injury, also impressed. Borg lifted an outstanding 255kg total, while Gatt secured 157kg. In the junior ranks, Nathaniel Fenech lifted 231kg, earning 292 points, while youth lifter Nathan Balzan recorded a 135kg total for 238 points.
In the Women’s Under-17 category, Thea Demanuele showed notable progress with a 101kg total. In the Under-15 women’s division, Emily Livori demonstrated significant improvement, finishing with a 94kg total. In the Under-15 men’s category, Gabiele maintained his leading position with a 165kg total, while in the Under-12 women’s category, Mia Sant retained her top spot with 78kg lift.
The competition highlighted the depth of talent within Malta’s weightlifting community, with strong performances across nearly all categories reflecting the athletes’ dedication and commitment at the start of the new season.
The national team’s next engagement will be the European Small Nations Championship, scheduled to take place in Iceland on 14–15 March.
