Team Malta delivered a commendable performance at the IWF World Youth and Junior Championships held in Lima, Peru, with three athletes showcasing determination, resilience, and national pride on the international stage.
First to represent Malta was Kim Camilleri Lagana, competing in the 55kg Category Group B. Kim started strong with a successful Snatch of 71kg. Although she had planned to attempt 73kg, a lingering glute injury prevented her from continuing in that segment. In the Clean & Jerk, Kim initially missed her 90kg opener but came back to complete 91kg on her second attempt. Unfortunately, she had to withdraw after her final lift attempt at 95kg due to persistent pain. Despite these setbacks, Kim’s perseverance earned her a 6th place finish in the group and a spot in the world’s top 10 in her category.
Tenishia Thornton competed in the highly competitive 64kg category, which featured over 40 top athletes. She opened the Snatch with a solid 89kg but narrowly missed her next two attempts at 91kg. In the Clean & Jerk, Tenishia missed her opening 109kg jerk but rebounded on her second try to complete the lift successfully. Her final attempt at 111kg fell short, but her performance was enough to secure a well-deserved 3rd place in Group B and a top-10 global ranking.
Closing Team Malta’s campaign was Rylee Borg in the 89kg category. After a missed first Snatch attempt at 122kg, Rylee bounced back with a successful second lift at the same weight and finished strong with 126kg on his third. In the Clean & Jerk, he missed his opening 155kg attempt but powered through on his second lift. Needing a big performance to climb the ranks, Rylee completed a massive 160kg lift—exceeding the national record by 4kg and securing 7th place in the group. His result also outclassed all competitors in Group C and most from Group B.
This competition was possible with the help of the International Weightlifting Federation, Malta Olympic Committee and SportMalta.
