Maltese athletes win titles, set new records in Split and Palermo

At the European Throwing Cup, held in Split, and organised by the European Athletics Association, Mireya Cassar, who was competing in the Under 23 Hammer Throw, set a national record in her age category.

Cassar’s throw of 45.04m, was less than two metres away from the national senior record, a remarkable achievement for the 18-year-old athlete.

Strong performances were also registered by Athletics Malta’s Athlete of the Year, Luca Farrugia, with 48.57m and Bradley Mifsud who had an effort of 44.25m in the senior discus throw.

On the other hand, Luca Martini recorded a 50.81m in the U-23 hammer throw.

Meanwhile, Athletics Malta sent a contingent of eight athletes to Sicily to continue their build-up towards major international events where they will be representing the country in the coming weeks.

This opportunity came about through the newly-formed partnership between Athletics Malta and the Sicilian region of the Italian Athletics Federation (FIDAL).

Pembroke’s Daniel Saliba achieved a national record in the 110m hurdles when clocking 15.13 seconds, to close in on breaching the formidable sub-15 second barrier on his first race of the season. 

Another remarkable performance was delivered by his fellow team-mate Carla Scicluna, who won the 200m with an impressive time of 24.75 seconds, shortly after taking the honours in the 100m when setting a time of 12.12.

While on both distances, the young athlete registered personal bests, the 200m timing allowed Scicluna to qualify for the Under 23 European Championships that will be held in Bergen, Norway.

There, Scicluna will be joined by Claire Azzopardi (Pembroke), winner of the long jump event with 5.95m, a season best.

Other athletes who performed well in Palermo were Steve Camilleri, who won the 100m in 11.12, Sean Spiteri, who topped the 200m in 22.60 seconds and Martha Spiteri who took the honours in the 400m when stopping the clock in 58.59 seconds.

Dillon Cassar (Mellieħa AC) emerged victorious in an impressive technical 5,000m race which saw him cross the line in 14:48:95 as he continues his build up to the European Athletics Cup in Birmingham.

Next weekend will see more Maltese athletes travelling abroad.

In fact, Athletics Malta will be represented in meetings being held in Vienna, Austria and Agropolis, Italy.

The participation of Maltese athletes abroad is being supported by Sport Malta and the Maltese Olympic Committee.