The Marsa Sport Complex came alive as the Malta Weightlifting Association hosted the prestigious 46th edition of the European Small Nations and Malta International Open Championships. The newly inaugurated Weightlifting Centre welcomed over 150 participants from 15 countries for eight intense competitions.
Malta’s weightlifting contingent delivered outstanding performances, clinching medals and setting numerous national records. Leading the charge was Tenishia Thornton, whose lifts of 89kg in the snatch and 113kg in the clean and jerk earned her 260 points and a slew of national records. Fellow athlete Roberta Tabone also impressed with personal bests of 86kg in the snatch and 110kg in the clean and jerk, scoring 245 points.
In the men’s category, 18-year-old Rylee Borg captivated the audience with lifts of 130kg in the snatch and 156kg in the clean and jerk, totaling 350 points and smashing several national records. Vlad Baldacchino followed suit, lifting 134kg in the snatch and 161kg in the clean and jerk for a commendable 340 points and set new national records.
Young talents also made a significant mark. Fifteen-year-old Nathan Mifsud lifted 88kg in the snatch and 103kg in the clean and jerk, achieving a total of 305 points and setting multiple national records. On the female side, Kim Camilleri Lagana dominated the youth division with lifts of 71kg in the snatch and 92kg in the clean and jerk, securing 240 points.
Championship Highlights and Results
European Small Nations Championships
- Individual Juniors:
- 1st Overall: Tenishia Thornton and Rylee Borg
- 2nd Overall: Kim Camilleri Lagana
- 3rd Overall: Nathan Mifsud
- Doubles Juniors:
- 1st Overall: Tenishia Thornton & Rylee Borg
- Individual Seniors:
- 3rd Overall: Tenishia Thornton and Rylee Borg
- Doubles Seniors:
- 2nd Overall: Tenishia Thornton & Roberta Tabone
- 3rd Overall: Vlad Baldacchino & Rylee Borg
- Team Event:
- 2nd Overall: Thornton, Tabone, Baldacchino, and Borg
International Open Championships
- Individual Youth:
- 1st Overall: Kim Camilleri Lagana
- 2nd Overall: Nathan Mifsud
- Doubles Youth:
- 1st Overall: Nathan Mifsud & Kim Camilleri Lagana
- Individual Seniors:
- 3rd Overall: Tenishia Thornton
- Doubles Seniors:
- 2nd Overall: Tenishia Thornton & Roberta Tabone
- 3rd Overall: Vlad Baldacchino & Rylee Borg
- Team Event:
- 1st Overall: Thornton, Tabone, Baldacchino, Borg, Camilleri Lagana, and Mifsud
This year’s event was particularly significant as it coincided with the 50th anniversary of weightlifting in Malta. The celebration was held at the new Weightlifting Centre, a modern facility completed by SportMalta. Distinguished guests, including the presidents of the International Weightlifting Federation and the European Weightlifting Federation, praised the seamless organization of the championship and the exceptional performances by the athletes.
